Jesus himself is our greatest example of hospitality. Selflessly welcoming one another reflects the heart of Christ by opening our lives, homes, and church to others and especially to the “least of these.”
Definition: from philoxenia, hospitality is defined as the radical, selfless love of guests including strangers
Observations:
- What – Hospitality is not an action, but a relationship
- When – Fervent, look for every opportunity
- How – Offer hospitality by invitation
A. Without grumbling
B. Using your God-given gifts
C. With the strength God provides
D. Speak using God’s words - Who –
A. Christian brothers and sisters or those traveling
B. Strangers and those in need - Why –
A. To be faithful stewards
B. Because our ancestors were once foreigners
C. Hosting strangers could be a blessing
D. Because love covers over a multitude of sins
E. God may be praised!
Conclusions: Jesus is the example
- Jesus was the guest by humility
- Jesus was the host by preparing the meal
- Jesus was the meal
Application:
- Model your life after Jesus, embrace humility
- Stretch your comfort zone
- Offer Jesus, be salt and light
Leviticus 19:33-34
“‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
Romans 12:9-14
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Romans 12:11
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Leviticus 19:33-34
“‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
John 13:4-5
“He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
Luke 22:17-19
“After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 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.”
John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
3 John 1:5-8
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”