Food for Thought
by Craig Castleberry
Scripture: Jesus said, “Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:8
Theme: Stewardship, Giving
Props: A small table, two table settings (Glasses, plates, forks), two chairs, maybe a lamp on a stand behind the table for atmosphere, real food is optional
Cast: Donald, Margo, Waiter, another couple (At end of scene)
Setting: [Opens as a nicely dressed couple is sitting at a table at a nice restaurant finishing their dinner]
Donald: Try a little bite of this, dear, it is fabulous! [Reaches over with a fork and lets her try a bite]
Margo: Yes, that is excellent! This place is exquisite! Everything is perfect!
Donald: I know it! Mine was unbelievable! Even the iced tea was like I have never had.
Margo: I would love to eat here EVERY day!
Donald: Well. (Pauses) Would you invite me to go along? (Sarcastically)
[Both laughing]
Margo: Of course, dear. After all, YOU have the checkbook. [Both laugh again]
Waiter: Is there anything else I may get for you this evening? Another dessert perhaps?
Donald: [Holding his stomach] No, no, that “mile-high” apple pie was more than I was expecting and I am so full!
Margo: I am also full and could not eat another bite!
Donald: Great, I’ll go ahead and take the check.
Waiter: Check, there is no check.
Donald: Then how will we pay?
Waiter: There is no charge. These are the finest foods for our friends.
Margo: But, you don’t even know us!
Waiter: To the contrary, the owner’s son knows you and the owner said this is yours with his blessing.
Donald: That’s it? We leave and that is it?
Waiter: All the owner asks is that you give according to how much you appreciated your meal.
Margo: [Laughing] Do we have that much?
Donald: [Kicking his wife under the table and his wife reacts in a subtle way] Well, the meat was just a little tough, and the rolls, they came to the table too early and it ruined my meal… a little.
Waiter: I see, I am so sorry to hear that. Everything seemed to meet with superior approval only a moment ago.
Margo: [With a tone of anger addressing Donald] So, what happened? Did you leave your wallet in the Hummer?
Donald: If you remember, we brought your Lexus tonight.
Margo: [Smiling with embarrassment] Oops, you are right! Waiter, where shall we leave our voluntary gift?
Waiter: A man will be by in a moment with a plate so you can place in it what you have to offer. I am sorry your meal was not to your liking. Hopefully, the next time you will be more pleased.
Margo: That is amazing, isn’t it, Donald?
Donald: Margo, it is incredible. Thank you, sir, and have a great rest of the week.
[Waiter bows and leaves]
Margo: Are you ready?
Donald: Yes, let’s get out of here! [Changing his tone] I mean, I am ready when you are.
Margo: Aren’t you going to leave something?
Donald: Oh, of course. [Nervous giggle] Silly me… [Donald pulls out a ONE Dollar bill and places it on the table]. Let’s go.
Margo: ONE DOLLAR!
Donald: [Rushes over to Margo trying to get her quiet…dragging her out the door.]
Margo: [Shouting as she is being pulled out the door] We both know who the son is and the owner too for that matter! Why would we do this to him?
[Margo and Donald exit stage]
[A new couple enters]
Man: I’ve heard this place is perfect! A little pricey, but worth it.
Waiter: [Enters] We have a fine menu. May I find you two nice people a table?
THE END
Bible Study
In Matthew 10:8 we find Jesus telling us to do big things such as heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. It is quite interesting to find that right after these huge miraculous things, we find Jesus telling us to…give?
For many of us, we might say…”You know, I think I would rather cast out a demon than give my money this week!”
Yet, if we want to hold on to something that belongs to god in the first place, then we are listening to the demon that says, “Keep it.”
Jesus said, “Give freely, meaning “no strings attached.” How often do you term something as a gift, but in reality, you expect something in return? It might not be anything tangible. We might expect a favor, instead. That is not considered as freely given.
The latter part of that verse states, “…as you have received.” Notice He didn’t say “When you receive” or “because you might receive.” Jesus makes this statement knowing you have already received. So the giving is a response. How have you responded to the things your family has given you? Or maybe it was a friend. How have you responded to the blessings God has placed in your path? Have you given freely as He has?
The chances are probably slim that we will cast out a demon today, or raise the dead, or heal the sick. But, all of us have a great opportunity today to give freely. Will you take the opportunity…today?
(c) 2006 by Craig Castleberry