Radical Hospitality: Welcoming All to the Table
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to gather together for our weekly family reunion. Today, we continue our series "Around the Table," exploring God's heart for hospitality and how we can embody this in our lives. Last week, we asked ourselves which tables we sit at and which ones we welcome others to. This week, we delve deeper into the concept of hospitality by walking with Jesus through the Gospels, observing how He welcomed and was welcomed at various tables.
We began by reflecting on how Jesus' hospitality was activated as soon as Adam and Eve distanced themselves from God. Jesus' approach to hospitality was radical and inclusive, welcoming those who were often marginalized or overlooked by society. We explored several stories from the Gospels, starting with the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. Despite being ritually unclean and ostracized, she was healed and welcomed by Jesus when she touched His cloak. This act of faith restored her to the community.
Next, we looked at the story of the two blind men who followed Jesus, crying out for mercy. Despite the inconvenience, Jesus healed them, opening their eyes and their world. We then moved to the Samaritan woman at the well, where Jesus broke cultural barriers by asking her for a drink and offering her living water. This act of hospitality led to her entire village coming to know Jesus.
We also discussed how Jesus welcomed children, a group often overlooked in His time. By inviting them to His table, Jesus demonstrated that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. His hospitality was disruptive, challenging societal norms and extending God's love to all.
Finally, we examined the parable of the prodigal son, a story of radical, undeserved hospitality. The father welcomed his wayward son back with open arms, much to the dismay of the older brother. This story serves as a reminder that God's hospitality often defies our expectations and calls us to extend grace and welcome to those we might deem unworthy.
As we reflect on these stories, we are challenged to consider who is not at our tables and how we can extend our hospitality to include them. Whether it's the disabled, the marginalized, or those from different cultural backgrounds, our hospitality should be as inclusive and radical as Jesus'.
### Key Takeaways
1. Radical Inclusion: Jesus' hospitality was radical and inclusive, welcoming those who were marginalized and overlooked by society. His actions remind us that true hospitality extends beyond cultural and societal norms, inviting everyone to the table. [44:36]
2. Interruptible Hospitality: Jesus was always open to interruptions, whether it was healing the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years or the two blind men who followed Him. This teaches us to be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, even when it disrupts our plans. [50:23]
3. Breaking Cultural Barriers: Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well shows that true hospitality breaks cultural and societal barriers. By asking her for a drink, He extended an invitation to a marginalized group, demonstrating that God's love knows no bounds. [53:58]
4. Valuing the Overlooked: Jesus welcomed children, who were often not valued in His time. This act of hospitality changed cultural perceptions and highlighted the intrinsic value of every individual, regardless of age or status. [55:41]
5. Disruptive Hospitality: The parable of the prodigal son illustrates that God's hospitality is often disruptive and undeserved. It challenges us to extend grace and welcome to those we might deem unworthy, reflecting the Father's love in our actions. [01:06:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:36] - Radical Inclusion
[50:23] - Interruptible Hospitality
[53:58] - Breaking Cultural Barriers
[55:41] - Valuing the Overlooked
[01:06:41] - Disruptive Hospitality
[01:11:43] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 8:40-48 - The story of the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years.
2. John 4:1-42 - Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.
3. Luke 15:11-32 - The parable of the prodigal son.
### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the woman touching Jesus' cloak in Luke 8:40-48? How did Jesus respond to her act of faith? ([48:41])
2. In John 4:1-42, why was it unusual for Jesus to ask the Samaritan woman for a drink? What cultural barriers did He break? ([53:58])
3. Describe the father's reaction to the return of his prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. How did this reaction contrast with the older brother's response? ([01:06:41])
4. How did Jesus demonstrate His value for children in Matthew 19:13-15? What was the cultural significance of this act? ([55:41])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' interaction with the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years illustrate the concept of "interruptible hospitality"? What does this teach us about being open to the Holy Spirit's promptings? ([50:23])
2. What does Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman reveal about His approach to breaking cultural and societal barriers? How can this inform our own practices of hospitality? ([53:58])
3. In the parable of the prodigal son, what does the father's radical hospitality teach us about God's grace? How should this influence our attitudes towards those we might deem unworthy? ([01:06:41])
4. How did Jesus' welcoming of children challenge the societal norms of His time? What does this tell us about the intrinsic value of every individual, regardless of age or status? ([55:41])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were interrupted in your plans. How did you respond? How can you become more open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, even when it disrupts your schedule? ([50:23])
2. Think about a cultural or societal barrier that exists in your community. How can you take a step to break that barrier and extend hospitality to someone from a marginalized group? ([53:58])
3. The father in the parable of the prodigal son extended grace and welcome to his wayward son. Is there someone in your life who you find difficult to forgive or welcome? How can you take a step towards extending grace to them this week? ([01:06:41])
4. Jesus valued children and welcomed them to His table. How can you show value to those who are often overlooked in your community, such as children, the elderly, or the disabled? ([55:41])
5. Who is not currently at your table that should be? Identify one person or group and make a plan to extend hospitality to them this month. ([01:09:00])
6. Jesus' hospitality was often disruptive and inconvenient. What are some practical ways you can make your hospitality more inclusive and radical, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone? ([57:38])
7. Reflect on the older brother's response in the parable of the prodigal son. Are there any prejudices or biases you hold that might prevent you from welcoming others? How can you address these in your life? ([01:08:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Inclusion
Jesus' hospitality was radical and inclusive, welcoming those who were marginalized and overlooked by society. His actions remind us that true hospitality extends beyond cultural and societal norms, inviting everyone to the table. Jesus' approach to hospitality was activated as soon as Adam and Eve distanced themselves from God. He welcomed those who were often marginalized or overlooked by society. For instance, the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years was healed and welcomed by Jesus when she touched His cloak, despite being ritually unclean and ostracized. This act of faith restored her to the community. [44:36]
Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Reflection: Who in your life might feel marginalized or overlooked? How can you extend radical inclusion to them today?
Day 2: Interruptible Hospitality
Jesus was always open to interruptions, whether it was healing the woman who had been bleeding for 12 years or the two blind men who followed Him. This teaches us to be open to the Holy Spirit's promptings, even when it disrupts our plans. Jesus' willingness to be interrupted shows His deep compassion and readiness to serve others at any moment. The two blind men who cried out for mercy were healed by Jesus, despite the inconvenience it might have caused. This act opened their eyes and their world, demonstrating that true hospitality often requires us to be flexible and attentive to the needs around us. [50:23]
Mark 10:49-52 (ESV): "And Jesus stopped and said, 'Call him.' And they called the blind man, saying to him, 'Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.' And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, 'What do you want me to do for you?' And the blind man said to him, 'Rabbi, let me recover my sight.' And Jesus said to him, 'Go your way; your faith has made you well.' And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way."
Reflection: How can you be more open to interruptions in your daily life? Is there someone you can help today, even if it disrupts your plans?
Day 3: Breaking Cultural Barriers
Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well shows that true hospitality breaks cultural and societal barriers. By asking her for a drink, He extended an invitation to a marginalized group, demonstrating that God's love knows no bounds. This act of hospitality led to her entire village coming to know Jesus. Jesus' willingness to engage with the Samaritan woman, despite the cultural and societal norms of His time, highlights the importance of breaking down barriers to extend God's love to all people. [53:58]
John 4:9-10 (ESV): "The Samaritan woman said to him, 'How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?' (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, "Give me a drink," you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.'"
Reflection: Are there cultural or societal barriers that you need to break down in your own life? How can you extend hospitality to someone from a different background today?
Day 4: Valuing the Overlooked
Jesus welcomed children, who were often not valued in His time. This act of hospitality changed cultural perceptions and highlighted the intrinsic value of every individual, regardless of age or status. By inviting children to His table, Jesus demonstrated that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. His actions remind us to value and include those who might be overlooked or undervalued in our society. [55:41]
Matthew 19:14 (ESV): "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: Who in your community might be overlooked or undervalued? How can you show them that they are valued and included today?
Day 5: Disruptive Hospitality
The parable of the prodigal son illustrates that God's hospitality is often disruptive and undeserved. It challenges us to extend grace and welcome to those we might deem unworthy, reflecting the Father's love in our actions. The father welcomed his wayward son back with open arms, much to the dismay of the older brother. This story serves as a reminder that God's hospitality often defies our expectations and calls us to extend grace and welcome to those we might deem unworthy. [01:06:41]
Luke 15:20-24 (ESV): "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. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who you find difficult to welcome or forgive? How can you extend God's disruptive hospitality to them today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus ate good food with bad people. People were watching very closely. You see, Jesus and his fellow Jews were very hospitable people. They had many laws and guides around eating, around feasting, around celebrating, around fasting. And feeding the widows and the orphans. Laws from God and laws for how we relate to God. Laws about which people to invite and which people can't be invited." [46:34](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus invited children to his table. Now this may seem unsurprising to you. Of course Jesus would. It's Jesus. But we're now more than 2,000 years from the culture of Jesus's day. The small children, little children in the Roman Empire were often not even classed as humans yet. They were overlooked until the time that they could work and be useful. They certainly weren't brought into the presence of rabbis to receive their blessing." [55:41](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus' hospitality was disruptive. Upending the status quo and bringing the Father's love to places it had not been experienced before. Love your neighbor. Love your enemies. Love those who persecute you. This was not the hospitality of Jesus' day. This is kingdom culture." [59:44](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Practice hospitality. Doesn't quite hold that weight in English, does it? In Korean, if you Google translate this verse, it says use your hands. How awesome is that? Practice hospitality. Use your hands. Do something. Get your hands dirty. Even if we don't have the gift of hospitality, we are to love. And Peter suggests we use our hands." [01:04:08](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The parable of the lost son is a story of disruptive hospitality. The son deserved the consequences, didn't he? They sound like pretty logical, appropriate consequences. He absolutely did not deserve the best robe and the ring. He should not have been invited back to the table." [01:06:41](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "How interruptible are you? Online this morning, how interruptible are you? Can the Holy Spirit get your attention when you're on task? Can he sway your mind from a device or a plan or a direction when he has something for you to see or do or someone for you to welcome?" [50:23](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The diversity of who Jesus welcomed to his table, his neighbor, as he often put it. It was wide. Little kids and unclean children. It was wide. It was wide. It was wide. A woman, an esteemed synagogue leader and his daughter, a woman from a disparaged people group, the disabled men. Imagine them sitting at this table having dinner. What an eclectic group of people." [57:38](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Who is not at our table and should be? Who should be sitting over here? I want to do a little sidebar. I want to answer a question that I think some of you may be asking over this four weeks. So some people have the gift of hospitality, right? In 1 Peter, if you've been in church world for a while, you may have heard this. 1 Peter 4.10, 4.9 says, offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various form." [01:02:16](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As followers of Jesus' door of hope, we will be surprised at who God invites to his table. We'll be surprised at who God offers hospitality to because it doesn't fit in our paradigm. It doesn't fit in our paradigm of what is good. It will be disruptive, interrupting, inconvenient, costly, and unfair, who God invites. You see, Jesus even included enemies in his definition of neighbor. Even his enemies were included. Unfair, costly, disruptive." [01:09:00](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The six stories we walked through today allowed people to see into the goodness of the kingdom of God, tasting, literally tasting the kingdom, seeing a glimpse of the kingdom. Amen. Amen. Your ordinary, everyday hospitality do the same. The older brother's response is a check for us. Can I ask you to just be aware of it? When you see someone or a group of people or watch the news and read about a group of people and your heart does this thing where it's like, no, that's a no. Can I ask you to take notice of that check and give it to God? And say, God, is this you or is this me? What do you want to say to me right now?" [01:10:05](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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