Connecting Point: Hospitality at the Gospel Level

I know that former generations handled hospitality better than we do. However, in the current television and internet era, Martha Stewart has become synonymous with hospitality and entertainment. She has built a business empire on delicious foods and hosting elegant events.

What was it like 2000 years ago? Guests for banquets were seated in connection to their relationship with the host. The closer to the host, the better the seat. From Luke 14, follow along:

“When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, Jesus told them this parable: When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous,’” (Luke 14:7-14).

Jesus challenged the status quo. He lived and taught radical generosity. He loved, including strangers. Rather than favoring close family, friends or colleagues, one should have an open heart to any person. The Gospel compels us to offer hospitality, not by what we get but by what we give. Pastor Timothy Keller says, “The Bible teaches us to be radically generous, to live a life of deep unselfishness in every single area of life.”

How do you relate to people? If our intention is to receive acceptance and affirmation, we will be less likely to receive them. On the other hand, in taking advice from Jesus himself, when we love people regardless of what they give to us, the more likely we will be loved, accepted and affirmed. Biblical hospitality is a strong foundation which cultivates true generosity, and I know this heritage was the lesson of our forefathers. Montanans are known for hospitality.