In our journey of faith, we often focus on the grand moments – the miracles, the revelations, the transformative experiences. But what if one of the most powerful tools for sharing God’s love is something as simple as a shared meal or a cup of coffee?
The concept of discipleship is at the heart of the Christian walk. It’s about being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and ultimately doing what Jesus did. As we progress in our faith, we’re called not just to learn about Christ, but to emulate Him in our daily lives. Jesus Himself promised, “Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).
But what exactly did Jesus come to do? While we often think of His miraculous acts, His primary mission was to proclaim the good news. As He read from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus declared His purpose: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
This mission of proclaiming the gospel is now entrusted to us. But before we can effectively share this good news, we must first make room for it in people’s hearts and minds. This is where the power of hospitality comes into play.
Hospitality, in its essence, is about showing over-the-top kindness to friends, strangers, and everyone in between. It’s not just about hosting dinner parties or having a spotless home. Rather, it’s about creating space for genuine connection and demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.
Jesus exemplified this throughout His ministry. Consider His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well. There were no grand miracles performed, yet through His kindness and willingness to engage in conversation, He touched her soul deeply. Or think about the numerous times Jesus went out of His way to visit the sick, not just to heal them, but to be present with them and their families.
One of the most powerful forms of hospitality Jesus practiced was sharing meals with others. In fact, the religious leaders of His time criticized Him for the amount of eating and drinking He did, particularly with those considered “sinners” and outcasts. Jesus responded to this criticism, saying, “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners'” (Luke 7:34).
The story of Zacchaeus beautifully illustrates the transformative power of hospitality. Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home, and through that simple act of sharing a meal, Zacchaeus’ life was radically changed. By the end of their time together, Zacchaeus pledged to give away half his possessions and repay anyone he had cheated four times over. Jesus declared, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9).
When we practice hospitality, we build bridges with people. We create opportunities for genuine conversation and connection. Research suggests that most conversations take at least seven minutes to really begin. When we invite someone for coffee or a meal, we’re creating space for those deeper connections to form.
This practice of hospitality isn’t just about being nice or making friends. It’s about preparing the ground for the gospel. Just as a farmer prepares the soil before planting seeds, our acts of kindness and genuine interest in others can soften hearts and open minds to receive the good news of Jesus Christ.
It’s important to remember that hospitality isn’t about entertainment or impressing others with our homes or cooking skills. It’s about creating a welcoming space where people feel valued and loved. This can happen over a simple cup of coffee or a takeout meal shared at a park bench.
The challenge, then, is to intentionally practice hospitality, especially with those who don’t yet know Jesus. This might feel uncomfortable or outside our normal routines, but it’s a powerful way to reflect God’s love to others. It could be as simple as inviting a coworker for coffee, checking in on a neighbor, or hosting a casual dinner for friends who don’t attend church.
As we engage in these acts of hospitality, we’re not just being friendly – we’re participating in God’s mission. We’re creating space for the Holy Spirit to work, softening hearts (including our own) and preparing the way for the gospel message to be shared and received.
Remember, this isn’t about having ulterior motives or trying to manipulate people into faith. It’s about genuinely loving others as Christ loved us, with no strings attached. Our role is to show authentic love and create opportunities for connection. The rest is in God’s hands.
As we go about our daily lives, let’s challenge ourselves to be more intentional about hospitality. Who in your life needs to experience the love of Christ through a simple act of kindness? Who could you invite for a meal or a coffee this week?
In a world that often feels disconnected and divisive, the simple act of hospitality can be revolutionary. It’s a tangible way to demonstrate God’s love and make room for the life-changing message of the gospel. As we follow in Jesus’ footsteps, sharing meals, conversations, and our lives with others, we participate in the beautiful work of preparing hearts to receive the good news of God’s love and grace.
May we be people who, like Jesus, are known for our radical hospitality and genuine love for others. In doing so, we create space for the transformative power of the gospel to take root and flourish in the lives of those around us.
Sermon Recaps are based on my original messages delivered at Grace Christian Church.
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