What is the Table? What was Jesus doing there? Why do we struggle with it?

“Wherever, whenever, however the kingdom manifests itself, it is welcome”-Krister Stendahl
Jesus Calls Matthew/Levi and the ensuing dinner party

Wedding at Cana - Jesus' first miracle

Christian hospitality: when pressing outward to the weakest, needy, the least of these, the unheard, and those least likely to be able to reciprocate we are actually welcoming God.
The role of hospitality has changed culturally throughout the centuries.
This action was the invitation. It made us welcome. And, it linked hospitality, grace, and sacrifice. What was it?

3 dimensions of hospitality:
An expression of respect and recognition-specifically different statuses and backgrounds
A means of meeting the physical needs of strangers, travelers, and local poor
Hosting of local assemblies of believers

John Wesley specifically looked at breaking bread and eating with one another as hospitality as “the very thing which was from the beginning of Christianity”. And, a diverse table fellowship brought us closer to reflecting the heavenly banquet.

Discussion Questions

What was the most memorable hospitality moment you can recall? What made it that way?
Do you consider yourself someone who is good at hospitality? Explain.
In which ways do you and/or your family currently show hospitality? Do you feel there is room to increase the level of hospitality that you extend to others?