Just Hospitality

Just Hospitality

Luke 14:12-14, NKJV

Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. 13But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

Setting the Scene

Much that passes for hospitality is actually an entertainment exchange. We invite friends over, and they return the favor by remembering us the next time they throw a party. With the exception of the sick man who was present early in the affair, it would appear this was a gathering of peers—people in all likelihood capable of reciprocating the meal they were enjoying.

Jesus’ counsel makes it clear there were no poor, maimed, lame, or blind at the party. Otherwise, there would have been no need for his comment. While those at the event were presuming to judge Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, he pointed out that they weren’t even being hospitable on the day of rest.

The point wasn’t to condone an attitude of superiority or even to avoid entertaining friends. Jesus was pointing out the difference between hospitality and mutual entertainment. The latter kind of neighborliness has its place and benefits, but they are restricted to this life’s experiences. Entertainment may enrich our lives but rarely stretches us in ways that matter for eternity.

Hospitality, however, is the offer of food, lodging, and protection without expectation of repayment. Hospitality combines practical assistance with generosity. God approves the practice of hospitality because it mirrors his constant treatment of us, supplying in every way what we cannot possibly repay. God has demonstrated hospitality ultimately by offering his Kingdom to all, and even though none of us deserve that privilege nor can we earn it, only those who realize their spiritual poverty truly accept God’s hospitality.

The rewards for hospitality are promised by Jesus “at the resurrection of the just,” indicating God’s plan to express special favor to those who have obeyed him. God accounts for our efforts of hospitality “on his tab,” which he will settle.

Getting Personal

When was the last time you practiced hospitality by Jesus’ definition?

What do you find most challenging about obeying Jesus’ command?

Genuine hospitality flows from someone who is confident in God’s plan to settle all accounts at the resurrection of the just—who live by faith.

Talking to God

Allow God to reshape your ideas about what hospitality really is. Thank him for his ultimate hospitality—adoption into his family!—which offered you protection you can never repay. Ask him to develop a family resemblance in you as you practice similar generosity toward others.