Reading Luke 9 this week with Bishop Ken Carter for #LukeActs2014 has me thinking about hospitality. In the chapter, Jesus sends his disciples out into the world with clear instructions to accept the hospitality of those they visit, staying where they are invited and leaving if they are not welcome. Jesus puts this into practice when the disciples suggest calling down fire on a town that doesn’t welcome him and he scolds the disciples for the suggestion. Jesus expects the disciples to accept simple gifts and not take offense.
Jesus also expresses a deep hospitality of care for those around him. When the crowds find him after he has withdrawn with the disciples, Jesus doesn’t complain or send them away. He welcomes them, teaches and heals those in need. When it’s dinner time, the disciples tell Jesus to send the crowds home. “But he said to them, ‘you give them something to eat'” (9:13). When they cannot, he performs a miracle of multiplication. Finally, he hears the solitary voice of a man in the crowd to heal his son with a demon and Jesus obliges. Jesus cares for the needs of those around him.
Finally, Jesus shares what it looks like to offer a hospitable responses towards others. The greatest in the kingdom of God is one who welcomes a child. Being great means extending welcome to those who are overlooked or ignored. In an age of drawing lines in the sand and choosing sides, Jesus tells the disciples “whoever is not against you is for you” (9:48). Jesus cares for those who are small and think differently.
What is our hospitality like?
We often think of hospitality as simply when we have guests, which is important, but Jesus expands the requirements. Hospitality is also about accepting welcome and not being angry if you are not. Hospitality is noticing and caring for the needs of those around us. Hospitality is treating others, especially those weaker or “less important” with respect. Hospitality is a posture that informs and shapes our daily lives, not just an occasional act. Hospitality means seeing everyone around of us as someone who can share a gift and receive grace.
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