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Luke 14:7-14 Make A Bigger Table
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Have we forgotten how to welcome one another? In the aftermath of a pandemic that pushed us further into isolation, many of us still maintain invisible barriers between ourselves and others. We've exchanged genuine relationships for digital connections, sharing more memes than meals, and drawing harder lines around our differences.
Jesus challenges this approach directly in Luke 14, where he instructs those with resources not to limit their hospitality to friends, family, and wealthy neighbors who can return the favor. Instead, he calls us to "invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind" – those who cannot repay us. This radical hospitality mirrors God's welcome to us in the gospel: he made room for us at his table when we were outsiders.
True hospitality differs profoundly from entertaining. While entertaining focuses on impressing others and maintaining our image, hospitality (philoxenia in Greek, meaning "love of strangers") creates space for authentic relationship. It means risking our possessions, opening our imperfect homes, and showing our real selves. When we practice this kind of welcome, Jesus promises we experience a deep sense of fulfillment – a life that "clicks" because it aligns with our divine design.
The beautiful diversity of God's kingdom isn't maintained automatically – it requires intentional effort to welcome those different from ourselves. Whether through city groups organized geographically to foster neighborhood connections, or simply sharing meals with people across economic, cultural, or political divides, each act of welcome reflects the heart of a God who builds rooms in his Father's house for us.
Ready to experience the blessing Jesus promises to those who practice true hospitality? Start by removing your metaphorical masks. Take the risk of being known. Open your imperfect home. Your next meaningful friendship might be with someone completely unlike you – but you'll never discover it unless you're willing to make room at your table, just as God made room for you at his.
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By Dale HuntingtonSend us a text
Have we forgotten how to welcome one another? In the aftermath of a pandemic that pushed us further into isolation, many of us still maintain invisible barriers between ourselves and others. We've exchanged genuine relationships for digital connections, sharing more memes than meals, and drawing harder lines around our differences.
Jesus challenges this approach directly in Luke 14, where he instructs those with resources not to limit their hospitality to friends, family, and wealthy neighbors who can return the favor. Instead, he calls us to "invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind" – those who cannot repay us. This radical hospitality mirrors God's welcome to us in the gospel: he made room for us at his table when we were outsiders.
True hospitality differs profoundly from entertaining. While entertaining focuses on impressing others and maintaining our image, hospitality (philoxenia in Greek, meaning "love of strangers") creates space for authentic relationship. It means risking our possessions, opening our imperfect homes, and showing our real selves. When we practice this kind of welcome, Jesus promises we experience a deep sense of fulfillment – a life that "clicks" because it aligns with our divine design.
The beautiful diversity of God's kingdom isn't maintained automatically – it requires intentional effort to welcome those different from ourselves. Whether through city groups organized geographically to foster neighborhood connections, or simply sharing meals with people across economic, cultural, or political divides, each act of welcome reflects the heart of a God who builds rooms in his Father's house for us.
Ready to experience the blessing Jesus promises to those who practice true hospitality? Start by removing your metaphorical masks. Take the risk of being known. Open your imperfect home. Your next meaningful friendship might be with someone completely unlike you – but you'll never discover it unless you're willing to make room at your table, just as God made room for you at his.
Support the show