We conclude our worship series on Hospitality this week by reflecting on Jesus’ witness to hospitality in his own life and death and resurrection.
The biblical tradition is a rich resource for understandings of hospitality. Images of God as gracious and generous host are found throughout the Scriptures. Writers in the New Testament portray Jesus as a vulnerable guest, a needy stranger, and a gracious host. Jesus both welcomes and needs welcoming. For the early church, hospitality was crucial to its survival, identity, and growth.
Our scripture for Sunday is Matthew 25:31-46. This important text from our Christian tradition enjoins us to recognize Jesus in every stranger and instructs us as hosts.
In what ways does the ambiguity of Jesus as both host and guest challenge our thinking about hospitality?
How do the biblical stories of hospitality change the way we look at hospitality and ministry to those in need?
What could you do better to connect your church and home life to create space for welcoming strangers?
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