Hospitality is one of the main themes that runs throughout the Bible. Genuine Hospitality is a sure sign of God’s love. This is re-iterated over and over as we are encouraged to welcome the stranger among our midst.
But what does it mean to be truly hospitable? True hospitality means showing the person or group you are with that they are the most important person or group that you could be with at that moment.
Hospitality is not about having the perfect guest room at the ready or having enough food on hand to feed a small army. Hospitality has to do with making someone feel like they matter. It is often saying, “we don’t have enough, but come anyway...we will make room for you!”
Hospitality is not necessarily something you can plan for. It is seizing the moment and recognizing the importance of the NOW. Many faiths around the world recognize the sacred nature of being present—Buddhists refer to this a Zen state of mind, but the concept is present in Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity as well. Practicing presence is a vital part of connecting with God and others.
Jesus demonstrates the art of hospitality throughout his ministry. He is seen welcoming those whom others would dismiss, he is seen visiting the homes of individuals that others would not be caught dead with, and he is seen feeding a crowd with only two loaves and five fish. Now, today, we read of his last supper. The time in most of our own lives when we would be the least hospitable—staring down the tunnel of darkness and death.
Yet, here we see Jesus, once again, being present in the moment. Present with his friends (and his betrayers). Even in this moment, he does not lose sight of the importance of Hospitality. He serves the men and women present with him in a way that says to them... “This is exactly where I want to be. You are the most important thing happening right now!”
We must carry this most important gift with us, and freely give it every chance we get!
Written by Keely DeBoever
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