The question of "What Would Jesus Eat?" has become a topic of interest, prompting exploration into the dietary habits of Jesus and their potential implications for modern Christians. While the Bible doesn't provide a detailed diet plan, examining the historical context, cultural practices, and biblical principles can offer insights into a healthy and spiritually mindful approach to food.
The Question: What Would Jesus Eat?
The question of "What Would Jesus Eat?" is explored in Dr. Don Colbert's book of the same name. This question gained traction with the rise of the "What Would Jesus Do?" movement. The idea is that if we strive to emulate Jesus in all aspects of life, shouldn't we also consider his eating habits?
Colbert suggests that Jesus's dietary practices, though not explicitly taught as doctrine, offer a model for healthy eating. He posits that Jesus consumed whole grains, abstained from pork and shellfish, and enjoyed an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and fish. This "Jesus way of eating" stands in stark contrast to modern diets laden with processed foods, sugars, and additives.
However, the assertion that Jesus intended his eating habits to be exemplary is debatable. Jesus lived within the cultural norms of his time, consuming foods common to the people and region. To impose a specific "Jesus diet" might be impractical for those in different parts of the world with limited access to the same foods.
Biblical Principles and Eating Habits
While a specific "Jesus diet" may not be prescribed, the Bible offers general principles that can guide our relationship with food. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against gluttony and excessive consumption, emphasizing the importance of moderation. The Bible also encourages good stewardship of our bodies, implying a responsibility to make healthy choices.
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Furthermore, the New Testament declares all foods clean (Mark 7:19), removing the dietary restrictions of the Old Covenant. This freedom allows individuals to make their own decisions about what to eat, receiving food with thanksgiving (1 Timothy 4:4).
Unpacking the Diet of Jesus
To understand what Jesus might have eaten, we can look to historical, archaeological, and biblical sources to reconstruct the diet of people living in ancient Israel.
Staple Foods
- Grains: Wheat and barley were staple cereal grains used for baking bread, a fundamental part of most meals. Bread was typically made from flour, water, and sometimes salt, cooked on hot stones or in wood-fired ovens.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans provided essential protein and nutrients, particularly for poorer communities. Lentils were often cooked in stews or soups, while chickpeas were ground into flour for various dishes.
- Olive Oil: Highly valued as a source of fat, calories, and for its use in anointing and medicinal practices, olive oil was an indispensable commodity.
Fruits and Sweets
- Dates: Valued for their sweetness and nutritional content, dates were eaten on their own or used in cooking and baking.
- Pomegranates: With their many seeds, pomegranates represented fertility and abundance in Israelite tradition.
- Figs: Enjoyed both fresh and dried, figs were often referenced in Biblical texts as a symbol of peace and prosperity.
- Wine: A natural accompaniment to meals, especially during festivals and gatherings like Passover, wine was often diluted with water.
- Honey: Used to sweeten beverages or to make preserves, honey was a luxurious addition to the diet.
Wild and Foraged Plants
A variety of wild plants were likely consumed, including wild greens like mallow, mustard greens, and lamb's quarters, as well as bitter herbs.
Protein Sources
- Fish: Abundantly available in the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea, fish was a crucial source of protein.
- Goat: Goats were commonly raised for milk and meat.
- Beef: Beef was consumed occasionally, but was rarer and reserved for the wealthy.
- Poultry: Pigeons were another available option, particularly for those who could not afford larger animals.
- Eggs: Eggshells have been found in excavations of the ancient sewage system in Jerusalem, offering a glimpse into the urban diet of the Second Temple period.
Dairy
Milk, cheese, and possibly fermented dairy like yogurt or kefir were consumed, primarily sourced from goats, sheep, and cows.
The Influence of Dietary Laws
Jesus, as an observant Jew, likely followed the Torah's dietary laws (kashrut), which dictate permissible and forbidden foods. These laws prohibit the consumption of pork, shellfish, and insects (with the exception of locusts).
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Cultural and Economic Exchange
Ancient Israel's location along trade routes exposed it to imported foods, including Roman wines, spices from the East, and wheat from Egypt. Jesus may have encountered these foods in Roman-influenced areas like Caesarea and Tiberias.
A Modern Experiment
One individual's experiment with a "Jesus diet" involved consuming foods mentioned in the Bible. This resulted in weight loss, increased prayer, and improved energy levels.
The Dangers of Food Idolatry
The modern obsession with food and dieting can lead to unhealthy fixations and anxieties. The church should be wary of prescribing legalistic diets that promote fear, shame, and guilt.
Freedom and Gratitude
God cares more about how we eat than what we eat. We are free to enjoy all foods with gratitude, avoiding self-righteous judgments and loving our neighbors by serving them with grace.
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