Hospitality

Hospitality Doesn’t Come Naturally

Yet Jesus says our reward will be determined by our hospitality. No exception for poverty, BTW. A cup of cold water is about as basic as you can get!
(See the story of Elijah and the Widow: 1 Kings 17:8-15)

The Mystery Guest

Jesus says that when we show hospitality even to one of his “little ones” we are welcoming Him (and therefore, God the Father).

At the very least, this is a lesson that we must treat God’s people with respect and concern. But it also indicates that we experience a “mystical union” with God Himself when we serve others.

Three Kinds of Guests

The “Prophet”
Why we support missionaries and vocational Christian workers.

The “Righteous” One
Why we support each other.

“These Little Ones”
Here, this refers specifically to disciples. But elsewhere Jesus teaches that all must be shown hospitality—even those who don’t believe.
“Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.”
(Matthew 18:5)
(Mark 9:37, Luke 9:48. See also John 13:20)
“...I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in.”
(Matthew 25:35)
(The Sheep and the Goats, Matthew 25:31-46)

Drawing the Line

Is there a time to “close the door” of hospitality? If it leads to destruction or enables sinful behavior, it should be cut off.
Professional “guests” can do great damage! However, if we must err, it is always better to err on the side of mercy.

The Question We Must Ask

If my guests are to be welcomed as God Himself, what must I do differently?

What is The Reward?

Simply, Wonderfully This: Union with Christ