Embracing Unreasonable Hospitality: Jesus' Transformative Love
Summary
In our exploration of "Unreasonable Hospitality," we delve into the profound nature of hospitality as exemplified by Jesus and illustrated through the story of Zacchaeus. Hospitality is not merely about inviting others into our spaces but also about accepting invitations into theirs, meeting them where they are. This is the essence of Jesus' ministry—He meets us in our messiness, our brokenness, and our need. The story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and social outcast, highlights the transformative power of Jesus' hospitality. Despite Zacchaeus' reputation, Jesus chooses to dine with him, demonstrating that salvation and transformation come to those who are open to a relationship with Him.
The narrative of Zacchaeus is a reminder that Jesus' call is urgent and personal. He seeks those who are humble and willing to open their hearts to Him. Zacchaeus' response to Jesus' invitation is immediate and generous, giving half of his possessions to the poor and repaying those he has wronged. This act of generosity is not about fulfilling a religious obligation but about a heart transformed by the grace of Jesus. It contrasts with the story of the rich young ruler, who was unable to part with his wealth because he sought eternal life as a possession rather than a relationship with Jesus.
Hospitality, as Jesus models, is about entering into the lives of others, even those who are different from us or whom society deems unworthy. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with people on their terms. This kind of hospitality is a reflection of God's love, which is not limited by our circumstances or status. It is a call to be present, to listen, and to share in the lives of others, just as Jesus does with us.
Key Takeaways:
- Hospitality as Acceptance: True hospitality involves accepting others on their terms, just as Jesus accepts us. It is about meeting people where they are, embracing their hospitality, and building genuine relationships. This mirrors Jesus' approach, who meets us in our brokenness and extends His grace. [25:35]
- Urgency of Jesus' Call: Jesus' invitation to Zacchaeus is immediate and urgent, emphasizing the importance of responding to His call today. Salvation is not a distant promise but a present reality for those who open their hearts to Him. [37:37]
- Transformation through Generosity: Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus leads to a radical transformation, marked by generosity and restitution. This change is not about religious duty but a heart transformed by grace, contrasting with the rich young ruler's reluctance to let go of his wealth. [38:36]
- Humility and Openness: God favors the humble and resists the proud. Zacchaeus' humility and openness to Jesus' presence lead to his salvation, illustrating that a relationship with Jesus is about openness and desperation for His presence, not about our achievements. [35:28]
- Extending Jesus' Hospitality: We are called to extend the hospitality of Jesus by entering into the lives of others, especially those who are marginalized or different from us. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the hospitality of others, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. [49:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[23:40] - The Story of Daniel Balud
[25:35] - Accepting Hospitality
[26:56] - Jesus' Approach to Hospitality
[28:05] - Engaging with Teenagers
[30:23] - Unlocking Next-Level Hospitality
[32:02] - Jesus' Encounters on His Journey
[33:09] - Zacchaeus: The Outcast
[34:15] - Zacchaeus' Desperation
[35:28] - Humility and God's Favor
[36:19] - Jesus' Destiny and Mission
[37:37] - Urgency of Salvation
[38:36] - Zacchaeus' Transformation
[40:16] - The Rich Young Ruler
[41:38] - Relationship vs. Religious Duty
[42:54] - The Prodigal Son and Elder Brother
[44:52] - The True Purpose of Hospitality
[46:00] - Experiencing God's Goodness
[47:59] - Extending Hospitality Across Cultures
[49:22] - Loving the Outcast
[51:22] - Accepting Others' Hospitality
[52:28] - Acts of Hospitality in the Church
[55:01] - Engaging with Grace Church
[01:04:05] - Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Unreasonable Hospitality
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 19:1-10 - The story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector.
2. James 4:6 - "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
3. Revelation 3:20 - "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Zacchaeus take after his encounter with Jesus, and how did these actions demonstrate his transformation? [38:36]
2. How does the sermon describe the societal view of tax collectors during Jesus' time, and how does this context enhance the significance of Jesus dining with Zacchaeus? [33:09]
3. What is the significance of Jesus saying, "I must go to your house today," in the context of Zacchaeus' story? [36:19]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of hospitality through the story of Will Goddara and Daniel Balud? [25:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Zacchaeus' immediate and generous response to Jesus' invitation reflect the urgency and personal nature of Jesus' call? [37:37]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true hospitality involves accepting others on their terms, and how does this reflect Jesus' approach to ministry? [26:56]
3. How does the contrast between Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler highlight the difference between seeking a relationship with Jesus and seeking eternal life as a possession? [40:16]
4. What does the sermon imply about the role of humility and openness in receiving God's grace, as illustrated by Zacchaeus' story? [35:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were hesitant to accept someone else's hospitality. What held you back, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [49:22]
2. Consider the people in your life who might be considered "outcasts" or different from you. How can you extend hospitality to them in a way that reflects Jesus' love and grace? [49:22]
3. Zacchaeus' transformation was marked by generosity. What is one specific way you can practice generosity this week, inspired by his example? [38:36]
4. How can you create opportunities to meet people where they are, rather than expecting them to come to you? Think of a specific person or group you can reach out to this week. [26:56]
5. Reflect on the urgency of Jesus' call in your own life. Is there an area where you feel Jesus is calling you to act immediately? What steps can you take to respond to this call? [37:37]
6. How can you cultivate humility in your relationship with God and others, following the example of Zacchaeus? Identify one practical step you can take this week. [35:28]
7. In what ways can you step out of your comfort zone to experience and extend the hospitality of Jesus? Consider a specific action you can take to embrace this challenge. [46:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Hospitality as Acceptance
True hospitality is about embracing others on their terms, just as Jesus accepts us in our brokenness. It involves meeting people where they are and building genuine relationships, reflecting the grace that Jesus extends to us. The story of Zacchaeus illustrates this beautifully. Despite being a social outcast, Zacchaeus is welcomed by Jesus, who chooses to dine with him. This act of acceptance transforms Zacchaeus, leading him to a life of generosity and restitution. Jesus' approach challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and engage with those who are different from us, mirroring the unconditional love and acceptance He offers. [25:35]
"Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might feel like an outcast or different from you? How can you extend genuine hospitality and acceptance to them today?
Day 2: Urgency of Jesus' Call
Jesus' invitation to Zacchaeus is immediate and urgent, highlighting the importance of responding to His call without delay. Salvation is not a distant promise but a present reality for those who open their hearts to Him. Zacchaeus' response is immediate and generous, contrasting with the rich young ruler who hesitated to part with his wealth. This urgency emphasizes that a relationship with Jesus is about being open and responsive to His presence in our lives. It is a call to prioritize our spiritual journey and embrace the transformation that comes with it. [37:37]
"Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to act urgently? How can you respond to His call today?
Day 3: Transformation through Generosity
Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus leads to a radical transformation, marked by generosity and restitution. This change is not about fulfilling a religious duty but about a heart transformed by grace. Zacchaeus gives half of his possessions to the poor and repays those he has wronged, demonstrating the power of Jesus' transformative hospitality. This contrasts with the rich young ruler, who was unable to let go of his wealth. Zacchaeus' story reminds us that true transformation comes from a heart open to Jesus' grace, leading to acts of generosity and love. [38:36]
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." (Proverbs 19:17, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice generosity today, not out of obligation, but as a reflection of a heart transformed by Jesus?
Day 4: Humility and Openness
God favors the humble and resists the proud. Zacchaeus' humility and openness to Jesus' presence lead to his salvation, illustrating that a relationship with Jesus is about openness and desperation for His presence, not about our achievements. Zacchaeus climbs a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus, showing his willingness to go beyond societal norms to encounter Him. This humility and openness are key to experiencing the fullness of a relationship with Jesus, as it allows His grace to work in our lives. [35:28]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate humility and openness in your relationship with Jesus today? What steps can you take to seek His presence more earnestly?
Day 5: Extending Jesus' Hospitality
We are called to extend the hospitality of Jesus by entering into the lives of others, especially those who are marginalized or different from us. This involves stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the hospitality of others, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus. Just as Jesus dined with Zacchaeus, we are encouraged to engage with those society deems unworthy, showing them the same love and acceptance Jesus offers us. This kind of hospitality is a powerful reflection of God's love, challenging us to be present and share in the lives of others. [49:22]
"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." (Romans 12:13, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community or social circle might need to experience the hospitality of Jesus through you? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week?
Quotes
It's true that Goddara, Will Goddara, showed hospitality to this famous Daniel. He was excited to host him. That's true. But Daniel in a way showed a kind of hospitality back to Will by saying, yes, I'll accept that, and I'm going to meet you on your terms where you are. [00:25:57]
The hospitality of Jesus meets people where they are. The hospitality of Jesus goes beyond what's just sharing what is already ours to the next level of accepting something other. What would it take to understand, to unlock that next level of hospitality? To not just invite in, but to say yes to those who invite you in. [00:30:23]
Jesus has spent a lot of time in his journey to Jerusalem, and now he's going from Jerusalem to Jericho. Now, we know we've been jumping around a little bit, and we're going back now to the gospels, talking about Jesus. And in this text, Jesus has said, he has been encountering different kinds of people, and he's been telling different kinds of parables to express why he has come to earth. [00:30:53]
He's about their willingness to invite him in, to be open and desperate for a relationship with him, and where he is invited, he goes. He responds to the least. He responds to the sick, to the desperate, to those who desire to be close to him, to those who want to be close to him. [00:32:18]
Jesus comes and he uses one of my favorite words. He says, I must go to your house today, Zacchaeus. I must go. Now this is a little mysterious. It's such a beautiful picture of salvation. Zacchaeus is up there, an outcast, totally aware that everybody hates him, that he's considered a traitor to Yahweh in many ways. [00:36:08]
Salvation came to his house. He rejoiced, and we see a change of heart immediately. He follows it with action. He gives half of everything he owns to the poor. That's a huge tithe. We talk about giving 10 % of our income. Zacchaeus gives 50%. He gives half of everything he owns to the poor. [00:39:16]
It's almost as if Jesus says, it doesn't matter what you're doing. It matters if your heart is open to me. It matters that you want a relationship. It was never about the money. Zacchaeus expresses humility, dependence, relying on Jesus. He expresses desperation for a relationship with Jesus himself. [00:40:34]
Jesus comes to those who want a relationship with him. The purpose of hospitality is not just to feed people, not just to do all the right things. Again, we can run church in the perfect way. Our bathrooms don't back up anymore, praise the Lord. We have a lot of good toilet paper and a great family room, and our building is wonderful, but it's more than that. [00:44:19]
Now, the hospitality of Jesus meets us where we least expect. It gives us what we least deserve, transforms the least of these. So let's summarize it this way. The hospitality of Jesus meets us where we least expect it. I can go through my day, I can go through my day unaware of Jesus in many ways, because there's lots to do, and there's lots of news, and there's lots of things going on, until there's that one illness, maybe loss of money, maybe our relationship is falling apart, and then suddenly I am driven to my knees. [00:45:16]
We accept hospitality and step into homes just as Christ steps into our world, and that starts a relationship, a willingness to grow together toward each other and toward Christ. Now, none of us is Jesus, so it's not easy for anybody, but when expressing this loving kindness of God, that he can express it through us. That's what we believe as Christians. [00:48:25]
Jesus didn't condone that tax collector's behavior. In fact, the love of Jesus changed Zacchaeus, but he responded to his desperate heart, giving him salvation, what he least deserved. And in this gift, Jesus transforms the least of these. And we just want to make the point again that the joy that Zacchaeus experienced turned to the practice of generosity. [00:50:07]
Are we being like Jesus and going to other people, stepping into their homes, presenting the true love of God, knowing that we ourselves are desperate for his salvation, that everyone here admits we are in need and have met a God who is so forgiving and loving and hospitable that we can give everything back to him? [00:51:22]
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