Dining with the Master

As Roy Hill writes in his Foreword, ‘This delightful little book deals with the Gospel records of the Saviour at breakfast, lunch, dinner and even at a wedding feast’. Within that span of meals, Dr. Mikhael covers Matthew’s house, the house of Simon the Pharisee, the first supper at Bethany, the house of Zacchaeus, Bethany again, and the Upper Room, before concluding with the meal beside the sea of Galilee in John chapter 21. In relation to the topic chosen, this is an unusual book, this reviewer being unaware of anything similar. Although the book is largely devotional in character, the writer has not avoided the issues surrounding some of the passages. For example, the events in the house at Bethany as recorded in John chapter 12 have to be reconciled with the seemingly parallel passages in Matthew and Mark’s gospels. Dr. Mikhael considers the various views before stating his own and his reasons for holding that view. As the writer concludes each chapter, he presents us with a summary of the major points covered and seeks to apply any practical lessons that are present. In this way he seeks to maximise the value of the material dealt with. This is a book that will warm the heart, challenge the soul, and provide answers to difficult issues that surround some of the events considered.