Small Church, Big Mission (3) Hospitality

Reference

Luke 5, Luke 15

Jesus and Hospitality?

As a church in Richmond BC, how do we practice hospitality?
How can we become a hospitable, friendly and welcoming church to our guests?
While the business world teaches us a lot about customer experience, does Jesus teach us anything about being hospitable in God’s way?
What is at the heart of Christian Hospitality?

Enemy of Hospitality (Luke 5)

Levi made Jesus a great feast in his house, and a large company of tax collectors were also invited.
When Jesus was having a great time socializing with Levi and his friend, the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled.
They were concerned why Jesus was eating with tax collectors and sinners.
The response of the Pharisees led us to realize that pride is the enemy of hospitality.
Whenever one feels that he/she is superior to the others, hospitality fails.
Pride within the Pharisees hinders them from offering generous hospitality.

Grumbling and the Prodigal (Luke 15)

What is special about Jesus’ Way of welcoming and connecting with people?
Another story about the Pharisees, Jesus and the tax collectors
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus.
The Pharisees and the scribes grumbled about Jesus receiving and eating with sinners.
In response to their grumblings, Jesus used a parable to point out what the Pharisees were missing.
Luke 15:20 - And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
According to our Jewish culture, the father has broken all the traditions.
Instead of running, a man of his age and position should only walk in a slow and dignified fashion
The father even asked his servants to bring out the best robe, the ring and shoes for the son.
The fattened calf was killed and there was a big celebration.

Heart of Christian Hospitality

Through the parable, Jesus explained the reason why He welcomed tax collectors.
Jesus’s way of Hospitality reflects the heart of God the Father.
The Father's heart is the essence of Christian hospitality.
Jesus is calling His followers to share the Father’s Heart and practice His way of hospitality.
Even though the Pharisees seemed to know a lot about God, they were not in touch with the heart of God.
What is our attitude when we see someone we do know coming to church?
What if this someone is another prodigal son/daughter, who is finding his/her way home?
We cannot afford to miss the chance to welcome the prodigal son/daughter.

Practicing Hospitality

Places we can make a difference in welcoming people: