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Mission 2025: Building Blocks of the Heart 5
Shaun Rossi // The Heart of Mission & Meals
The meals of Jesus Christ and His church are an enactment of gospel grace, community and future.
“34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
— Luke 7:34 & 5:33
Sermon OutlineI. Grace & the Mission of Meals
“27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
— Luke 5:27-32
“31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.””
— Luke 5:31-32
“Luke‘s Gospel is full of stories of Jesus eating with people. There are at least ten (Luke 5:27-32; 7:36-50; 9:10-17; 10:38-42; 11:37-54; 14:1-24; 19:1-10; 22:7-23; 24:13-35, 36-49; see also Acts 1:4). In addition, Jesus tells stories of feasts and parties (Luke 13:22-30; 14:15-24; 15:11-32; 22:29-30). ”
II. Community & the Mission of Meals
“36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
— Luke 7:36-50
III. Future the Mission of Meals
“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.7 And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.”
— Isaiah 25:6-8
“11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
— Luke 14:11
“21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. ”
— 1 Corinthians 11:21-29
The Biblical origins of hospitality
Jeff Vanderstelt, a pastor theologian with Soma Communities in the USA, wrote an article called “Gospel Hospitality: Familial Space for Experiencing the Gospel” (2008) where he outlines the the origins of hospitality in the bible.
He begins by defining hospitality as being about treating a stranger as equal to the host, which is done by creating space for him to be protected, provided for and taken care of, then by assisting and guiding him on to his next destination.
He goes on to then recount some of the biblical history of hospitality, which all grows out of the creation, by an hospitable act by God.
He calls us to think, too, of the numerous occasions where Israel found itself as the strangers among a host people. In some cases they found a hospitable reception (Egypt with Joseph in charge; the spies and Rahab). In other cases they found themselves treated like enemies or slaves (slavery in Egypt; the captivity in Babylon). They understood the effects of hospitality personally.
Next the article moves on toJesus, who entered into a culture that was informed by a variety of worldviews. In this culture, the concept of hospitality found its roots in a few different streams:
The idea of taking in a hostile stranger or enemy and treating him as you
would yourself.
The Greek practice of hospitality, where a stranger passing outside a
Greek house would be invited inside the house by the family. The host washed the stranger‘s feet, offered him or her food and wine. Only after the guest was feeling comfortable would the host ask his or her name.
This practice stemmed from the thought that the gods mingled among men and if you played host to a deity poorly, you would incur the wrath of a god.
The potential for entertaining God or angels is also there in the Hebrew understanding of hospitality (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2).
The article causes us to think, what are the implications of hospitality for my life, salvation, and the service of other? What do you think?
Edith Schaeffer on Meals as moments of GraceEdith and her husband Francis knew a lot about hospitality. Together they found the L'Abri community in 1955. Dr. Francis Schaeffer was a Christian theologian and philosopher who also authored a number of books on theology, philosophy, general culture and the arts. Over many years of this ministry, hundreds of spiritual seekers stayed with the Schaeffers for a season where meals were shared and Gospel formation took place. Edith wrote the following about the importance of meals:
“Meals can be very small indeed, very inexpensive, short times taken in the midst of a big push of work, but they should be always more than just food. Relaxation, communication and a measure of beauty and pleasure should be part of even the shortest of meal breaks. Of course you celebrate special occasions — successes of various members of the family, birthdays, good news, answered prayer, happy moments — with special attention to meal preparation and serving. But we should be just as careful to make the meal interesting and appealing when the day is grey and the news is disappointing. Children feel the difference in the home that takes this attitude. Father comes home tired and discouraged after some sort of failure or disappointment to find, not the food he dislikes, nor burned soup and sloppy serving, but a beautifully set table, with his favorite food served artistically . . . with all the air of a special occasion.”
— Edith Schaeffer, Hidden Art (Wheaton, 1971), page 123.
Show Hospitality & join the Christmas Service Team
UCC will host its combined Christmas service on December 15th, 16:00, at Suomen Raamattuopisto in Kaunianen. This event is a great opportunity to welcome our family, friends, and community—some for the very first time. Please consider joining the service team and being part of showing grace through hospitality. There are still plenty of open spots on service teams. Please contact pastor Daniel to sign-up (as soon as possible) [email protected]
Small Group StudyIntroduction1. Jeff Vanderstelt, a pastor theologian with Soma Communities in the USA, wrote an article called “Gospel Hospitality: Familial Space for Experiencing the Gospel” (2008) where he outlines the the origins of hospitality in the bible.
He begins by defining hospitality as being about treating a stranger as equal to the host, which is done by creating space for him to be protected, provided for and taken care of, then by assisting and guiding him on to his next destination. He goes on to then recount some of the biblical history of hospitality, which all grows out of the creation, by an hospitable act by God.
From what we know of the story, what can we learn about hospitality from how God creates a place for Adam and Eve?
2. Jesus entered into a culture that was informed by a variety of worldviews. In this culture, the concept of hospitality found its roots in a few different streams:
- The idea of taking in a hostile stranger or enemy and treating him as you would yourself.
- The Greek practice of hospitality, where a stranger passing outside a Greek house would be invited inside the house by the family. The host washed the stranger‘s feet, offered him or her food and wine. Only after the guest was feeling comfortable would the host ask his or her name.
- This practice stemmed from the thought that the gods mingled among men and if you played host to a deity poorly, you would incur the wrath of a god.
- The potential for entertaining God or angels is also there in the Hebrew understanding of hospitality (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2).
In light of the culture of Jesus‘ day and the purpose of Jesus‘ life within the story of salvation, what are the implications of Matthew 5:43-48 and 25:31-46 in regards to hospitality?
3. Consider God‘s commands to his people regarding strangers. See Leviticus 19:9-10, 33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19.
How do they reflect Israel‘s experience of receiving or not receiving hospitality? How should this inform how we care for those around us?
Can you remember a time when you, though a stranger, were treated like family in a host environment?
From the sermon : “According to Luke 7:34, Jesus Christ, The Son of Man came eating and drinking. Son of Man‘ is Daniel‘s label for one who would come before God to receive authority over the nations (Daniel 7). And now the Son of Man has come in the person of Jesus. But how does he come? Does he come with an army of angels? Does he come on the clouds of heaven? Does he come with a blaze of glory? No, he comes eating and drinking!…”
“Luke‘s Gospel is full of stories of Jesus eating with people. There are at least ten (Luke 5:27-32; 7:36-50; 9:10-17; 10:38-42; 11:37-54; 14:1-24; 19:1-10; 22:7-23; 24:13-35, 36-49; see also Acts 1:4). Plus Jesus tells stories of feasts and parties (Luke 13:22-30; 14:15-24; 15:11-32; 22:29-30)….”
“Of-course we need to remember that eating and drinking in Jesus‘ culture was a sign of welcome, association, commitment and belonging. So in the mission of Jesus, sharing a meal with another was enacted grace, enacted community and enacted mission. In other words the meals of Jesus represent something bigger. They represent a new world, a new kingdom, a new outlook, a new identity. But at same time they give that something substance. They are not just symbols; they are also application. In other words, we should not reduce church and mission to meals, but meals should be an integral and significant part of our approach to church and mission….”
Read Luke 5:27-32
What do you know about tax collectors? Why did the Pharisees react so strongly to Jesus having. dinner party with them?
Read vv 31-32, how does Jesus explain Himself? What does this tell about His Messianic mission?
3. From the sermon: “This meal, this grace turns the world upside-down for religious people who think righteous acts move you up the ladder towards God. What gives you a sense of well-being is your place on the ladder. Nothing makes you feel better than being able to look down on other people and feel superior. Pharisees need tax-collectors; they need tax-collectors to make them feel righteous. But the grace of God is also radically subversive of the secular counterparts of religious people.
We have a secular version of salvation (the counterparts to the Pharisees religious works based righteousness)… what is it?
What does it mean for that Jesus eats with Levi, for secular people?
1. From the sermon: “Through the practice of Christian hospitality, the church participates in God‘s peaceable kingdom. Such hospitality indicates the crossing of boundaries (ethnic origin, economic condition, political orientation, gender, social status, experience, educational background) by being open to and welcoming of the other. Without such communities of hospitality, the world will have no way of knowing that all God‘s creation is meant to live in peace.”
Do you agree with this? Why are meals and hospitality so often overlooked as a missions strategy…particularly in favour of much more complicated strategies?
Write down quickly some concrete examples: what are the obstacles to your being hospitable? It may be to do with our fear of other people, with the physical space in which we live, the difficulty of budgeting, and so on.
Now, discuss how can you overcome those obstacles? What changes do you need to make to become more hospitable? The gap between your current hospitality and Jesus‘ hospitality might feel crushing. Often our temptation in such circumstances is simply to do nothing. The alternative is to take some manageable steps: set some reasonable targets for hospitality, and prayerfully seek to extend the limits of your comfort zone.
How can we grow in our ability to speak the truth of the Gospel to others? especially in the intimate setting of a meal?
Close in prayer.
Back to Bulletin
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By United Community ChurchShaun Rossi // The Heart of Mission & Meals
The meals of Jesus Christ and His church are an enactment of gospel grace, community and future.
“34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
33 And they said to him, “The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.”
— Luke 7:34 & 5:33
Sermon OutlineI. Grace & the Mission of Meals
“27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
— Luke 5:27-32
“31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.””
— Luke 5:31-32
“Luke‘s Gospel is full of stories of Jesus eating with people. There are at least ten (Luke 5:27-32; 7:36-50; 9:10-17; 10:38-42; 11:37-54; 14:1-24; 19:1-10; 22:7-23; 24:13-35, 36-49; see also Acts 1:4). In addition, Jesus tells stories of feasts and parties (Luke 13:22-30; 14:15-24; 15:11-32; 22:29-30). ”
II. Community & the Mission of Meals
“36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
— Luke 7:36-50
III. Future the Mission of Meals
“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.7 And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. 8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.”
— Isaiah 25:6-8
“11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
— Luke 14:11
“21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. ”
— 1 Corinthians 11:21-29
The Biblical origins of hospitality
Jeff Vanderstelt, a pastor theologian with Soma Communities in the USA, wrote an article called “Gospel Hospitality: Familial Space for Experiencing the Gospel” (2008) where he outlines the the origins of hospitality in the bible.
He begins by defining hospitality as being about treating a stranger as equal to the host, which is done by creating space for him to be protected, provided for and taken care of, then by assisting and guiding him on to his next destination.
He goes on to then recount some of the biblical history of hospitality, which all grows out of the creation, by an hospitable act by God.
He calls us to think, too, of the numerous occasions where Israel found itself as the strangers among a host people. In some cases they found a hospitable reception (Egypt with Joseph in charge; the spies and Rahab). In other cases they found themselves treated like enemies or slaves (slavery in Egypt; the captivity in Babylon). They understood the effects of hospitality personally.
Next the article moves on toJesus, who entered into a culture that was informed by a variety of worldviews. In this culture, the concept of hospitality found its roots in a few different streams:
The idea of taking in a hostile stranger or enemy and treating him as you
would yourself.
The Greek practice of hospitality, where a stranger passing outside a
Greek house would be invited inside the house by the family. The host washed the stranger‘s feet, offered him or her food and wine. Only after the guest was feeling comfortable would the host ask his or her name.
This practice stemmed from the thought that the gods mingled among men and if you played host to a deity poorly, you would incur the wrath of a god.
The potential for entertaining God or angels is also there in the Hebrew understanding of hospitality (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2).
The article causes us to think, what are the implications of hospitality for my life, salvation, and the service of other? What do you think?
Edith Schaeffer on Meals as moments of GraceEdith and her husband Francis knew a lot about hospitality. Together they found the L'Abri community in 1955. Dr. Francis Schaeffer was a Christian theologian and philosopher who also authored a number of books on theology, philosophy, general culture and the arts. Over many years of this ministry, hundreds of spiritual seekers stayed with the Schaeffers for a season where meals were shared and Gospel formation took place. Edith wrote the following about the importance of meals:
“Meals can be very small indeed, very inexpensive, short times taken in the midst of a big push of work, but they should be always more than just food. Relaxation, communication and a measure of beauty and pleasure should be part of even the shortest of meal breaks. Of course you celebrate special occasions — successes of various members of the family, birthdays, good news, answered prayer, happy moments — with special attention to meal preparation and serving. But we should be just as careful to make the meal interesting and appealing when the day is grey and the news is disappointing. Children feel the difference in the home that takes this attitude. Father comes home tired and discouraged after some sort of failure or disappointment to find, not the food he dislikes, nor burned soup and sloppy serving, but a beautifully set table, with his favorite food served artistically . . . with all the air of a special occasion.”
— Edith Schaeffer, Hidden Art (Wheaton, 1971), page 123.
Show Hospitality & join the Christmas Service Team
UCC will host its combined Christmas service on December 15th, 16:00, at Suomen Raamattuopisto in Kaunianen. This event is a great opportunity to welcome our family, friends, and community—some for the very first time. Please consider joining the service team and being part of showing grace through hospitality. There are still plenty of open spots on service teams. Please contact pastor Daniel to sign-up (as soon as possible) [email protected]
Small Group StudyIntroduction1. Jeff Vanderstelt, a pastor theologian with Soma Communities in the USA, wrote an article called “Gospel Hospitality: Familial Space for Experiencing the Gospel” (2008) where he outlines the the origins of hospitality in the bible.
He begins by defining hospitality as being about treating a stranger as equal to the host, which is done by creating space for him to be protected, provided for and taken care of, then by assisting and guiding him on to his next destination. He goes on to then recount some of the biblical history of hospitality, which all grows out of the creation, by an hospitable act by God.
From what we know of the story, what can we learn about hospitality from how God creates a place for Adam and Eve?
2. Jesus entered into a culture that was informed by a variety of worldviews. In this culture, the concept of hospitality found its roots in a few different streams:
- The idea of taking in a hostile stranger or enemy and treating him as you would yourself.
- The Greek practice of hospitality, where a stranger passing outside a Greek house would be invited inside the house by the family. The host washed the stranger‘s feet, offered him or her food and wine. Only after the guest was feeling comfortable would the host ask his or her name.
- This practice stemmed from the thought that the gods mingled among men and if you played host to a deity poorly, you would incur the wrath of a god.
- The potential for entertaining God or angels is also there in the Hebrew understanding of hospitality (Genesis 18; Hebrews 13:2).
In light of the culture of Jesus‘ day and the purpose of Jesus‘ life within the story of salvation, what are the implications of Matthew 5:43-48 and 25:31-46 in regards to hospitality?
3. Consider God‘s commands to his people regarding strangers. See Leviticus 19:9-10, 33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19.
How do they reflect Israel‘s experience of receiving or not receiving hospitality? How should this inform how we care for those around us?
Can you remember a time when you, though a stranger, were treated like family in a host environment?
From the sermon : “According to Luke 7:34, Jesus Christ, The Son of Man came eating and drinking. Son of Man‘ is Daniel‘s label for one who would come before God to receive authority over the nations (Daniel 7). And now the Son of Man has come in the person of Jesus. But how does he come? Does he come with an army of angels? Does he come on the clouds of heaven? Does he come with a blaze of glory? No, he comes eating and drinking!…”
“Luke‘s Gospel is full of stories of Jesus eating with people. There are at least ten (Luke 5:27-32; 7:36-50; 9:10-17; 10:38-42; 11:37-54; 14:1-24; 19:1-10; 22:7-23; 24:13-35, 36-49; see also Acts 1:4). Plus Jesus tells stories of feasts and parties (Luke 13:22-30; 14:15-24; 15:11-32; 22:29-30)….”
“Of-course we need to remember that eating and drinking in Jesus‘ culture was a sign of welcome, association, commitment and belonging. So in the mission of Jesus, sharing a meal with another was enacted grace, enacted community and enacted mission. In other words the meals of Jesus represent something bigger. They represent a new world, a new kingdom, a new outlook, a new identity. But at same time they give that something substance. They are not just symbols; they are also application. In other words, we should not reduce church and mission to meals, but meals should be an integral and significant part of our approach to church and mission….”
Read Luke 5:27-32
What do you know about tax collectors? Why did the Pharisees react so strongly to Jesus having. dinner party with them?
Read vv 31-32, how does Jesus explain Himself? What does this tell about His Messianic mission?
3. From the sermon: “This meal, this grace turns the world upside-down for religious people who think righteous acts move you up the ladder towards God. What gives you a sense of well-being is your place on the ladder. Nothing makes you feel better than being able to look down on other people and feel superior. Pharisees need tax-collectors; they need tax-collectors to make them feel righteous. But the grace of God is also radically subversive of the secular counterparts of religious people.
We have a secular version of salvation (the counterparts to the Pharisees religious works based righteousness)… what is it?
What does it mean for that Jesus eats with Levi, for secular people?
1. From the sermon: “Through the practice of Christian hospitality, the church participates in God‘s peaceable kingdom. Such hospitality indicates the crossing of boundaries (ethnic origin, economic condition, political orientation, gender, social status, experience, educational background) by being open to and welcoming of the other. Without such communities of hospitality, the world will have no way of knowing that all God‘s creation is meant to live in peace.”
Do you agree with this? Why are meals and hospitality so often overlooked as a missions strategy…particularly in favour of much more complicated strategies?
Write down quickly some concrete examples: what are the obstacles to your being hospitable? It may be to do with our fear of other people, with the physical space in which we live, the difficulty of budgeting, and so on.
Now, discuss how can you overcome those obstacles? What changes do you need to make to become more hospitable? The gap between your current hospitality and Jesus‘ hospitality might feel crushing. Often our temptation in such circumstances is simply to do nothing. The alternative is to take some manageable steps: set some reasonable targets for hospitality, and prayerfully seek to extend the limits of your comfort zone.
How can we grow in our ability to speak the truth of the Gospel to others? especially in the intimate setting of a meal?
Close in prayer.
Back to Bulletin