Making Wedding Cakes with Jesus

A new bakery named Seven Loaves opened up around the corner from me. I noticed a “help wanted” sign in its window so I inquired within to see if the owner could use an assistant for the summer.

The aroma of freshly baked breads filled my senses as I stepped into the bakery. A few tables and chairs were neatly arranged around the room. A large glass case displayed some lovely breads and pastries. A second case was filled with beautiful cakes. There were large sheet cakes for birthdays and anniversaries as well as several multi-tiered, multi-flowered wedding cakes. A counter filled the space between the two cases.

 Much to my surprise, Jesus was behind the counter.

I asked about the job and He directed me to have a seat. The Bread of Life brought over two coffees and pair of croissants. Obviously, a million questions were running through my mind, but I thought I’d stay on point.

“Are you still hiring?” I asked.

“I am,” He replied.

Jesus explained that He handles the day-to-day operations on his own. But that He could use some assistance for a few hours in the afternoon. He needs help while he takes wedding cake orders because he likes to sit down and get to know the people who are getting married.  

I told Him I’d be happy to help out and he said come to back tomorrow at noon for my first shift. I arrived the next day and watched as Jesus interacted with customers. He taught me to work the register and showed me how He liked things done. Soon thereafter a young couple arrived to discuss their wedding cake. They were in their late-twenties and looked very much in love. I watched from behind the counter as Jesus sat with them for over an hour. Their conservation was filled with laughter. Jesus showed them pictures of cakes they could choose from and gave them several samples to taste-test.

This scenario played out identically over the next three days as Jesus met with more couples. On the fifth day, a gay couple arrived for their wedding-cake appointment. The meeting looked to go as smoothly as the others and concluded with the couple placing a cake order.

“Jesus, you make cakes for gay weddings?” I asked as soon as the couple was gone.

“It would be rather bad for business if I didn’t,” He answered.

“So, you’re ok with gay couples getting married?

Jesus looked at me, slyly. I could tell He was thinking. It was an electric moment. I was about to get the definitive stance on homosexuality straight from the Son of God.

Instead, Jesus said, “Let me tell you about the people I’ve met this week. The first couple, Tom and Megan, used to know me when they were younger. But Tom’s parents got divorced and he lost interest in me. Megan got her heart broken by a guy and she gave up on me. They met in college and have been together for eight years. Tom fudges his expense reports and Megan lies to all her girlfriends about how great she thinks her life is.

“Then in came William and Jenna. They don’t have a church background at all but they believe my father exists. They think that if they stick to being good and don’t hurt anybody, all will be fine. However, William has a drinking problem … that he hides from Jenna … and Jenna secretly steals things from stores.

“Jack and Anna were next. These guys don’t believe in me. Their gods are consumerism and possessions. They just bought a big house and they want fancy furniture, every top-of-the-line gadget, and two luxury sedans in the garage.

“Then yesterday I saw Samuel and Eva. They are beloved friends of mine. I’ve known them for years. They serve at their church, teach Sunday school, and feed the homeless. But, Samuel has a temper on him. He is working on it though. And poor Eva, she’s such a worrier. She’s going to get an ulcer if she doesn’t stop. I keep telling her to mix in some trust. I think I’m finally breaking through, but it takes time.

“Which brings us to Stuart and Patrick …”

I waited for Jesus to lump homosexuality in with everybody else’s sins.

“… Deep down they believe in me and they’ve even sought out churches they’d be comfortable attending. But it’s hard. It’s easier to stay away.”

“So, they don’t have any glaring sins?”

“I wouldn’t say that. Stuart has major pride issues and Patrick eats way too much.”

“So, Jesus,” I asked, “It’s not about the S…E…X?”

“Of course it isn’t. I’m not into labels; I’m concerned with the heart. Sin is sin. As you can see everybody’s broken and needs healing. I came to redeem all sins for everyone. My grace, my death, my love, forgiveness, and life … are for everybody. For anybody who wants them more than they want their sins.

Jesus tossed some baking flour on the counter and started writing in it with his finger. I watched silently. I thought of the Bible story in which the adulterous woman was brought before Jesus. I hoped he wouldn’t write my sins in the flour.

If it came down to sin,” Jesus said breaking the silence, “Nobody would get a cake.”

“Instead, everybody gets one,” I replied.

“Plus I love weddings,” he said. “Stuart and Patrick just dropped off my invitation.”

“Are you going?”

“Certainly. Who do you think is providing the wine?”