In following Jesus in this journey to discover discipleship His way, a friend of mine mentioned that Jesus practiced "homeless" hospitality. I had never given that any thought. My view of hospitality always has my home as part of being hospitable. Inviting someone over to my house is the picture I get when I think of hospitality.
Yet Jesus did not have a home, so to speak, as he ministered his love throughout Judea and Samaria. He traveled on foot most of the time, staying with people wherever he was welcomed. Jesus lived out an attitude of hospitality as he was going along the highways and byways of the land.
He often experienced a lack of hospitality too. In Luke 9 we read, When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan village to make arrangements for his hospitality. But when the Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, the refused hospitality.
The apostle Paul taught hospitality as he learned from Jesus, "Share with the saints in their needs, pursue hospitality." Romans 12:13 "Don't forget to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it." Hebrews 12:12 He exhorted leaders of the church to put on a hospitable attitude, see 1 Timothy and Titus.
Hospitality is part of the heart of a disciple and it is an initial step in making connections with people. Putting on hospitality is enabled by our listening to the Spirit and risking; getting out of our comfort zone. Hospitality can happen as we travel the arteries of our communities, at the local coffee shop (Starbucks), during our lunch hours, or on the weekends and it is not confined to our homes. Practice hospitality and discern the path of discipleship. It may be right in front of you.
No comments:
Post a Comment