The Ethic of a Christian- pt5- Hospitality

When we think about ethics we generally consider how we are with money or power or influence. But this morning I want us to consider something less grand, and more easily overlooked. How do we share our space and resources.

We live in an increasingly lonely world. People are less and less connected in real ways. In fact, it is possible to live a lift where you never interact with people in person. Think about it. With grocery delivery, online banking and bill pay, and remote work, you could quite easily live your life and never leave your home- and never have anyone in your home.

Which is leading to a real crisis. People who are less connected are more likely to see people as “other” and be fearful or see themselves as ostracized.

I think we could begin to draw some connections between this increasing isolation and the rise in violence, mental health issues, and self harm. We simply have no reason to live other than what is in our own heads.

But as followers of Jesus, we know that we need people- we have a mission to reach people with the Gospel and we know we cannot go about life alone. And scripture, because God knew we would need to be reminded of this, emphasizes this need by calling us to hospitality.

Now real quick, I am not talking about being the host with the most. Or putting on elaborate meals or parties. Not that there is anything wrong with that! But that kind of thinking is limited- it creates an illusion that this is a gift, not a calling for everyone.

Turn with me to Genesis 18:1-16.

In Hebrews- and we will get there in a few- this story is referenced. Abraham and Sarah are camped at Mamre, and three men appear. And Abraham’s first response is- how can I serve them?

Genesis 11:27–50:26 (1) Abraham’s Visitors (18:1–15)

His haste in offering the courtesies of hospitality exhibited the same generous spirit he had shown in the past

The heart of hospitality is service. How can we make people feel welcome and cared for?

Genesis 11:27–50:26 (1) Abraham’s Visitors (18:1–15)

The custom of hospitality is illustrated by the visitors in chaps. 18–19 and the encounter of Abraham’s servant with Rebekah’s household (chap. 24). Stunning examples of breaches in hospitality include the wicked behavior of the Sodomites toward the visitors (chap. 19) and the Gibeahites toward the Levite and his concubine (

Genesis 11:27–50:26 (1) Abraham’s Visitors (18:1–15)

The tornado of activity (“hurried,” vv. 6, 7; “quick,” v. 6; “ran,” v. 7) reinforces the picture of Abraham as the extraordinary host. The passage specifies that Abraham stands alertly nearby under one of the trees observing their meal

Think for a minute about your own life. Where have you been where from the moment you walked in the door, you knew you were welcome?

That’s one of the beauties of a ministry like Feed His Sheep. People are invited to be served. They come as they are. And they are cared for. It is why people keep coming back.

What is amazing about this story is Abraham thinks he is serving three strangers, but he is actually serving angels.

That’s why the reference in Hebrews 13:1-2 is so funny. The writer is reminding those hearing his letter that Abraham served before he knew who he was serving.

The emphasis in both of these passages is on strangers. And for us in our day and time that may be the hardest part. We are less trusting of people who we do not know. Some of that is a result of less socializing in general- we are out of practice. But some of that comes from a fear developed by reading the same story over and over again in news or social media and thinking that something awful that happened to one person- maybe not even in our country- means it will happen to us.

Church, we cannot live in constant fear. We must guard our minds against unreasonable fear. Being mastered by fear makes it hard to practice hospitality!

So what does hospitality look like? Turn with me to Romans 12:9-13.

Hospitality starts with love- unconditional love to the people you encounter. We don’t draw lines with whom we invite to be a part of our lives.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

The adjective translated “sincere” (anupokritos) means “without deception or hypocrisy.” Apparently there is a danger that in certain cases what looks like love is actually something quite distinct. Calvin comments, “It is difficult to express how ingenious almost all men are in counterfeiting a love which they do not really possess.”34 Love must never be used as a disguise for ulterior aims. True love is free from all pretense and hypocrisy.

Second, we seek to be excellent at making people feel valued. Showing honor in the first century was often based on where a person is seated. In our day and time, it may be about listening, or serving, or even simply including.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

The TCNT translates, “In showing respect, set an example of deference to one another.” In a similar vein Paul encouraged the Philippians to “consider others better than” themselves (

Third, we should be hopeful. Hospitality is a way we encourage others to have hope. We share the hope we have in Jesus and build up one another in the midst of hard times.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

Paul warned his readers about the debilitating results of lethargy, “Never be lacking in zeal” (v. 11). In whatever they do they are to put their whole heart and soul into it (cf.

Finally, hospitality costs us something. Contribute means we are kicking in. It does not have to be monetary. It an be our space or our time or a talent.

Romans 1. Among Believers (12:1–21)

And finally, Paul indicated the moral responsibility of showing hospitality. In a day when inns were scarce and not always desirable, it was critical for believers to extend hospitality to Christians (and others) who were traveling.45 The author of Hebrews counsels hospitality to strangers on the basis that by so doing one may perhaps entertain angels without knowing it

So lastly. Who? Is this just for fellow believers? For those who are important? For those we are sharing the Gospel with?

Turn we me to Luke 14:12-14.

Jesus is invited to a banquet. He heals someone which stirs a few folks up. And then He tells a story about a wedding feast. But He’s not done. He turns to the man who invited Him, and tells the man how these events should go.

He tells the man not to invite just people he is close to or related to. He instructs the man to invite people who cannot return the favor.

Luke Comments

Jesus did not prohibit having friends over for a dinner/banquet. His words are better understood as reflecting the Semitic idiom “not so much (friends … neighbors) as rather (needy).” The present tense of the verb is perhaps better translated, “Stop continually inviting.”

Luke Comments

Such people were excluded at Qumran from participation in the final war of the Sons of Light (1QM 7:4) and from the communal meal (1QSa 2:5–6), and among the Levites they were excluded from participation in sacrificing

Church, that opens the door to us to be hospitable to everyone. Even in the moment. How can we seek to make even someone who is serving us feel served? (Uber driver in ATL)

Why is this a part of our ethic? Because this is the story of Jesus. He invited us- the broken, sinful whole of us- to His home. Into His world. He came and met us here at our place, and said some to Mine.

Hospitality is at the heart of the Gospel. It should be no small wonder that it is a part of His calling for His people.