The Unexpected Guest: A Sermon on Hospitality
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, we gather today to reflect on your
teachings and how they guide our lives. Open our hearts to your message and
grant us the wisdom to put it into practice. Amen.
The Day Jesus Was Turned Away
Martha bustled about her small cottage, a
whirlwind of nervous energy. Today was the day – the day Jesus himself was
coming for dinner! She scrubbed the floorboards till they gleamed, dusted every
corner, and arranged her finest linens on the table. The roast chicken, her
pride and joy, browned perfectly in the oven, filling the air with a
mouthwatering aroma.
Suddenly, a tapping at the door
startled her. On the stoop sat a ragged beggar, his clothes dusty and worn.
"Kind woman," he rasped, "could you spare a crust of bread? I
haven't eaten a proper meal in days." Martha, flustered and worried about
making a good impression, slammed the door shut. "No time for beggars
today! I'm expecting a very important guest!"
Later, a knock came at the door again.
This time, a stooped old man with a cane leaned against the frame, his face
etched with pain. "Excuse me, miss," he croaked, "I seem to be
lost. Could you point me in the right direction?" Martha peeked through
the curtain. "Not today, sir! I can't risk anyone muddying my clean floor
before Jesus arrives!" and shut the door once more.
Hours passed, the roast grew cold, and
the disappointment in Martha's heart began to fester. The sun dipped below the
horizon, casting long shadows across the room. Dejected, Martha sank into a
chair. Just then, a small whimper came from the window. A young child, tears
streaming down her face, stood clutching a ragged doll. "Miss," she
sobbed, "I'm lost and scared. Can I please stay here for a little
while?"
Without a second thought, Martha turned away,
muttering, "Not tonight, child! I can't have anyone ruining the
evening!" Exhausted and heartbroken, Martha finally decided to call it a
night. As she doused the fire, a gentle voice echoed behind her, "Martha,
why the long face?"
Turning around, Martha gasped.
Standing before her, cloaked in a soft light, was Jesus. Tears welled up in
Martha's eyes. "Why haven't you joined me for dinner?" she asked.
"I have been expecting you all day!" she stammered.
Jesus smiled gently, his eyes held no
anger, only sadness. "Indeed, Martha. I came three times, but you turned
me away. Remember the beggar, the lost old man, and the scared child?"
Martha's heart sank. Shame washed over her as she realized she had missed her
chance to serve the very person she was so desperately trying to impress.
"True hospitality, Martha,"
Jesus said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "is not reserved for the grand
occasion. It lies in offering a kind word, a warm meal, or a safe haven to
those in need, whoever they may be." With a final, knowing look, Jesus
faded away, leaving Martha alone with the cold roast and a heavy heart, forever
changed by the three unexpected visits of the one she had longed to receive.
Introduction: The Two Sides of Hospitality
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the word
"hospitality" often conjures images of grand feasts and meticulously
planned gatherings. But true hospitality goes far beyond that. Today, we'll
explore this concept through a story found in the book of Luke, a story not
directly about Jesus, but one that beautifully illustrates two sides of
hospitality.
Read Luke 10:38-42
At the Home of Martha and Mary
38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a
village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She
had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to
what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all
the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t
you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to
help me!”
41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are
worried and upset about many things, 42 but
few things are needed—or indeed only one.[a] Mary has chosen what
is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
We see Martha, bustling about, preparing for Jesus'
arrival. Here's the first side: the excitement, the desire to impress, the
focus on outward appearances. It's a familiar feeling. We might plan elaborate
meals, meticulously choose guests, and spend hours decorating, all for a grand
occasion.
But then, there's the other side of hospitality,
embodied by Jesus himself. He engages with those who need him most, regardless
of their social standing or the inconvenience they might cause.
The Missed Opportunities: A Story of Martha
Let's delve deeper into Martha's story.
Martha, in her eagerness to impress Jesus, missed a
crucial opportunity. Her focus on the grand gesture blinded her to the true
meaning of hospitality. The beggar, the lost old man, and the scared child –
they were all opportunities to show kindness, to offer a helping hand.
This is a trap we can all fall into. We might focus on
the perfect setting, the expensive meal, the meticulously chosen guests, all
the while missing the chance to extend a helping hand to those in need who are
right in front of us.
The Call to Open Hearts and Open Doors
The Bible is filled with verses reminding us of the
importance of welcoming strangers. Hebrews 13:2 tells us:
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Think about it - an act of kindness, a simple offering
can have a profound impact. Perhaps the stranger at our door is not just
someone lost or hungry, but an unexpected messenger of God, an opportunity to
experience grace in disguise.
Let's explore other biblical examples. Abraham, in
Genesis 18, welcomes strangers who turn out to be angels. In Romans 12:13,
we're called to "share with God's people who are in need."
Hospitality isn't just about strangers, it's about extending ourselves to our
community as well.
Hospitality in Action: More Than Food and Drink
Hospitality isn't just about serving a fancy meal. It's
about opening our hearts and homes to those in need. Let's consider some
practical ways we can live this out:
- Offer a Listening Ear: Sometimes, all
someone needs is a compassionate friend to listen without judgment. Are we
present and available for those around us?
- Lend a Helping Hand: Is there an
elderly neighbor who needs help with yard work? A single parent struggling
with childcare? Offering practical assistance can be a powerful way to
show we care.
- Share a Simple Meal: We don't need
a grand occasion to share food and fellowship. Inviting a new neighbor for
coffee, offering a plate to a busy family next door – these small acts can
build bridges and foster connections.
- Offer a Safe Space: Perhaps
someone is going through a difficult time, facing homelessness, or simply
needs a break. Can we offer them a moment of respite, a safe haven from
the storm?
Living the Message: A Call to Action
Brothers and sisters, let us not wait for a grand
occasion to practice hospitality. The opportunities are all around us. As we
walk through our days, let us be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Can
we offer a kind word to the lonely cashier, a smile to the stressed-out parent,
or a helping hand to someone in need?
Remember, even the smallest act of kindness can have a
ripple effect. In doing so, we not only serve others but also reflect the love
and compassion of Christ.
Closing Prayer
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