In a society that increasingly knows Jesus less and less and shuns attending church, the importance of hospitality is growing rapidly. Increasingly, the most strategic place on which to connect the unbelieving with the good news of Jesus may be in our own homes.
The theme of hospitality runs throughout the Gospels, and we find Jesus both as guest and host. Writing about hospitality, Amy Plantinga Pauw states,
God’s all-embracing hospitality is the presupposition for every aspect of our lives – physical, social, and spiritual. Even before we knock, God graciously opens the door for us. Even before we ask for food, God spreads a table before us. The creative, redemptive, sustaining love of God takes the shape of extravagant hospitality toward all creation. We are intended to live joyfully and generously, assured of God’s gracious abundance.”
Jesus as Guest
As guest, we see Jesus sitting at the table with all kinds of people. He eats with tax collectors and sinners. He eats with the hyper-religious Pharisees. He accepts the hospitality of a Samaritan woman. While a guest at a wedding, he turns water into wine and saves the host from embarrassment. He is the welcomed guest in the home of Martha.
Table Talk and Parables
Often the Gospels present Jesus dining with others and using the occasion as an opportunity to teach about the hospitality of God. Matthew 8:10-12 and Luke 14:15-23 are two examples of Jesus picturing the Kingdom as a great banquet. Jesus uses a parable in Matthew 22 and sums up the Good News of the Kingdom, saying, “Everything is ready. Come to the banquet.”
Jesus as Host
We also see Jesus as host. He miraculously feeds 5,000 on a hillside. After the resurrection, he cooks fish on a fireside for the disciples. In the upper room, Jesus eats the Passover meal with his disciples, and the Bread of Life becomes both the host and the meal.
Come Lord Jesus Be Our Guest
An old mealtime blessing that celebrates Jesus as both guest and host is, “Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let thy gifts to us be blessed.”
This blessing first pictures us as host, inviting Jesus to be our guest. The prayer continues, acknowledging Jesus as the Great Host who takes care of our needs and who blesses our meal.
God’s Story Is Pictured through Hospitality
- When we open the doors of our homes, we demonstrate God’s invitation to come fellowship with Him.
- When we meet the needs of others, we picture the way God takes care of us and meets our needs.
- When we spread the table, we enter the story of God as sustaining host.
Hospitality is not entertaining. It is sacrificial and does not seek to impress others. Biblical hospitality communicates through words and actions that people are welcome and loved. Relax and let people see how God’s grace meets your family in everyday life.
Missional Challenge…
Invite someone into your home and practice biblical hospitality.
Grace and Peace on your missional journey