When one hears the story of Jesus, they are always curious to know what he looked like, how he talked, how he carried himself, or what he ate during the years he was on earth. Since he came to earth as a normal human being, Jesus had to eat regular food to keep his physical body strong for the mission. This leads to people wondering, “was Jesus a vegetarian?”
Jesus was not a vegetarian since the Bible has several scriptures which show him eating meat. For instance, an apparent incident in which Jesus is eating meat is in the book of Luke 24:42-43. Jesus is seen eating fish to prove to his disciples that he had resurrected and was appearing to them in his physical body. Jesus is also seen participating in the Jewish customs, which required every jew to eat a roasted lamb during Passover each year.
So, did Jesus eat meat? Did Jesus eat fish? What did Jesus et while he was on earth? What did Jesus say about eating meat? Read on to learn the answers to these questions.
Did Jesus eat meat?
Jesus ate meat, as certain scriptures in the Bible reveal. It is only fair to note that Jesus ate meat just like ordinary Jews, as the Bible tells in the Old Testament that God allowed human beings to eat meat. In Genesis 9:2-3, God directs Noah to use animals as food, just like he had given them the go-ahead to eat the green plants.
As we all know, Jesus was Jewish and was raised according to Jewish customs. This is to imply that he always took part in the annual feast of the Passover, where each household was required to slaughter either a sheep or a goat, roast it and eat it after doing what was required of its blood. This requirement is found in Exodus 12:5-8.
Jesus is also seen in the New Testament taking part in the day of the unleavened bread, which is the Passover. Luke 22:7-13 explains how Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare for the Passover, as a lamb had to be sacrificed. From this, it is evident that Jesus ate the lamb prepared that day together with his disciples.
Did Jesus eat fish?
Yes, Jesus ate fish. The Bible gives us a precise scenario where he had just resurrected and appeared to all his disciples. The disciples did not believe it was Jesus, even after he showed them the signs of the nails on his hands and feet. The book of Luke 24:40-43 records that out of his excitement, he requested something to eat so that he could probably convince them that he had risen and was in his physical body that had been beaten and tortured days ago. The disciples brought him a piece of broiled fish, which he ate in their presence. “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, ‘do you have anything here to eat?’ they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.” There are other instances where we see Jesus directly involved with fish. For example, Mathew 14:15-19 records how Jesus fed 5000 people with two fish and five loaves of bread. This is after he had been preaching and healing the sick all day; an evening had come. The disciples had requested Jesus to send the crowd away so they could find food; however, Jesus perfumed a miracle by turning the two fish and five pieces of bread and fed everyone present. We can only assume that Jesus also ate the fish and the bread, as he was just as hungry as anyone else in the crowd.
Jesus also ate fish in John 21:7-14 after preparing it for breakfast for his disciples, alongside some bread.
What did Jesus et while he was on earth?
As we have discussed above, Jesus had to eat physical food to keep his physical body strong, as his mission involved him walking long distances. Jesus ate fish and meat most of the time he was on earth, and several scriptures in the Bible prove that. Besides these two meals, Jesus was often seen eating bread as part of his diet.
Jesus probably ate the bread he had multiplied from the miracle where he fed 5000 people. Another time when Jesus ate bread was during the last supper when he broke it and gave it to his disciples as a representation of his body. Luke 22:19 says, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘this is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. ‘There is no way he could not have eaten, as it is clear from the story that everyone was hungry, as it was already in the evening.
Jesus also ate bread in John 21 after he invited some of his disciples to have breakfast with him. These are but a few incidences in which Jesus ate bread.
What did Jesus say about eating meat?
Jesus did not majorly speak about his views of meat, let alone any food, as he was concerned with the kingdom of God. The Jews were already eating meat as part of their Passover meal, and Jesus did not once speak against that years after he came to earth. He would be seen eating it, meaning that he fully supported eating meat.
Additionally, the book of Mark 7:19 records Jesus declaring all the food clean, which would have included the meat. Jesus explains that any food that enters a person from the outside cannot defile them, as it does not enter their heart but their stomach. It eventually leaves the body, making the person the same as he was again.
Above all, apostle Paul is clear in Romans 14:2-3 that Christians should not judge each other or look down upon others just because they can eat any food, while their fellows can only eat vegetables because of the level of faith in every individual.
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Should a Christian be a vegetarian?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
