New Testament Scripture: Luke 9:4–5
Old Testament Pairing: 2 Kings 4:8–10
Wednesday: The Gift of Hospitality
Extra long intro today...
One of my wife's favorite expressions when she arrives home from a long trip is - "Gotta shake off the where we come from dust."
In the context of our scripture - she is more on the mark than she realizes.
In first-century Jewish culture, shaking the dust off one’s feet (or sandals) was a symbolic act practiced when leaving a place deemed impure or inhospitable, particularly Gentile territories. Jews would shake off the dust to signify that they were disassociating themselves from the defilement or rejection of that place, ensuring they carried no trace of it with them.
This act was both a practical gesture (to avoid carrying "unclean" soil) and a symbolic declaration of separation, often signaling divine judgment or rejection of those who refused to accept the message.
Historical Context
In America, we have difficulty with the customs of other nations, such as when they are mandated by cultural laws to take care of a complete stranger. In the story today, it is important to understand that Hospitality was a cornerstone of Jewish culture.
In a time when travel was dangerous and inns were scarce, offering food, shelter, and safety to strangers was not just a kindness but a necessity. Hospitality was seen as a sacred duty, rooted in the belief that welcoming others was an act of honoring God.
The story of the Shunammite woman highlights this beautifully. She not only offered Elisha a meal but went further, creating a room for him in her home. Her generosity reflected her recognition of God’s work through His prophet. (Anyone remember when Marlon Obando preached on this a few months ago?)
But in Luke 9, the command to rely on hospitality is set against the tension of growing opposition. Jesus’ instruction to leave peacefully if rejected was not just practical—it was a reminder that the mission was about God’s work, not their own.
Quiz - who can find the scripture that says - paraphrasing - "If you reject me you reject my master?"
The disciples - now acting as ambassadors of Jesus (Apostles) are to be accepted just as if Jesus was there. Likewise, we are reminded that to not accept Jesus is to not accept the Father... See how this goes!
Modern Context
Today, hospitality often feels like a lost art. In a world where individualism and busyness dominate, opening our homes or simply making time for others can feel inconvenient. Yet, the act of welcoming someone, whether through a meal, a conversation, or an act of service, creates space for God’s love to be experienced.
Hospitality isn’t just about what we give—it’s also about what we receive. Like the disciples, we are called to rely on others and to see God’s provision through their generosity.
Reflection
Is there someone you can invite into your home or show kindness to in a simple way? Consider how acts of hospitality can become opportunities to reflect God’s love.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of hospitality.
Help me to be generous with what I have, opening my heart and home to others.
Teach me to see every act of kindness as a reflection of Your love.
Amen.
Answer to the quiz: Luke 10:16
Old Testament Pairing: 2 Kings 4:8–10
Wednesday: The Gift of Hospitality
Extra long intro today...
One of my wife's favorite expressions when she arrives home from a long trip is - "Gotta shake off the where we come from dust."
In the context of our scripture - she is more on the mark than she realizes.
In first-century Jewish culture, shaking the dust off one’s feet (or sandals) was a symbolic act practiced when leaving a place deemed impure or inhospitable, particularly Gentile territories. Jews would shake off the dust to signify that they were disassociating themselves from the defilement or rejection of that place, ensuring they carried no trace of it with them.
This act was both a practical gesture (to avoid carrying "unclean" soil) and a symbolic declaration of separation, often signaling divine judgment or rejection of those who refused to accept the message.
Historical Context
In America, we have difficulty with the customs of other nations, such as when they are mandated by cultural laws to take care of a complete stranger. In the story today, it is important to understand that Hospitality was a cornerstone of Jewish culture.
In a time when travel was dangerous and inns were scarce, offering food, shelter, and safety to strangers was not just a kindness but a necessity. Hospitality was seen as a sacred duty, rooted in the belief that welcoming others was an act of honoring God.
The story of the Shunammite woman highlights this beautifully. She not only offered Elisha a meal but went further, creating a room for him in her home. Her generosity reflected her recognition of God’s work through His prophet. (Anyone remember when Marlon Obando preached on this a few months ago?)
But in Luke 9, the command to rely on hospitality is set against the tension of growing opposition. Jesus’ instruction to leave peacefully if rejected was not just practical—it was a reminder that the mission was about God’s work, not their own.
Quiz - who can find the scripture that says - paraphrasing - "If you reject me you reject my master?"
The disciples - now acting as ambassadors of Jesus (Apostles) are to be accepted just as if Jesus was there. Likewise, we are reminded that to not accept Jesus is to not accept the Father... See how this goes!
Modern Context
Today, hospitality often feels like a lost art. In a world where individualism and busyness dominate, opening our homes or simply making time for others can feel inconvenient. Yet, the act of welcoming someone, whether through a meal, a conversation, or an act of service, creates space for God’s love to be experienced.
Hospitality isn’t just about what we give—it’s also about what we receive. Like the disciples, we are called to rely on others and to see God’s provision through their generosity.
Reflection
Is there someone you can invite into your home or show kindness to in a simple way? Consider how acts of hospitality can become opportunities to reflect God’s love.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, thank You for the gift of hospitality.
Help me to be generous with what I have, opening my heart and home to others.
Teach me to see every act of kindness as a reflection of Your love.
Amen.
Answer to the quiz: Luke 10:16
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1 Comment
Times have really changed from when my mom and her friends had coffee and cake together - inviting their new neighbors over. Many folks once welcomed others into their home or out to eat. Fellow ship. Funny how we see it’s not done often yet it’s a great way to show Christ in us.