DINING WITH SINNERS
WITH (prep) function word to indicate manner of action
Practicing Hospitality
Far from being a gospel option, the sharing of our table is an essential practice of the Christian life and the responsibility of all because we have been called to God’s mission. Our faith in Christ ensures that there will always be a home for each of us in the presence of God giving us freedom to follow Jesus’ example as he models for us the profound power of sharing a table.
With that said, here are three biblical reasons the church should practice hospitality.
1. Hospitality is a practical way to serve God. In the first century, a person’s reputation was largely connected to his hospitality—the sharing of home and food. Even strangers were to be treated as highly honored guests. Meeting another’s need for food or shelter was and still is one of the most immediate and practical ways to obey God.
2. Accepting hospitality allows others to practice generosity. How often do you think tax collectors, prostitutes, and other “sinners” got the opportunity to have a person like Jesus sit at their table? I’m guessing not very often. So, not only should we meet the needs of others, but we also need to learn to become gracious guests. When we feed the homeless, do we actually sit down and eat with them? Or a better question is: Would we allow the homeless to serve us sharing what little they have? Would you refuse it when offered?
3. Hospitality should flow out of our devotion to God’s mission. Jesus, in order to complete his mission on earth, chose to live amongst us. He lived in a particular time and place, he spoke particular languages, and he lived in a particular culture. The Gospel writers (apart from his first and last few years) see his life as so ordinary for the time and place that do not record it in any detail. Therefore, to the degree that we understand Jesus as a wandering stranger will we understand the missiological implications of entering a (sub)culture that is not our own. That is, to be a stranger and invited in (Mt 25:34-36).
Michael Carpenter
Michael is an urban church planter in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock. He and his wife Amanda have been married since 2003 and have two children – Austin and Max. Michael is an entrepreneur, missiologist, and chef.
Michael- Having just finished up some reasearch on this topic, I loved even more getting at least a piece of your take on sharing one’s table.
Your second point stood out to me, reminding me of what an old friend once said about not “robbing someone of a blessing.” When we are too proud (or too whatever) to accept one’s offering, we not only belittle the giver but we rob them of the joy of giving.
Thanks always for your wisdom.
Michael- I would love to read your research whenever you get it finished. We often hear it said it is better to give than to receive – true enough. But I think it is often harder to receive.
Matthew’s Table is built around following the example of the radical table fellowship of Jesus. Jesus even shared his last meal with his betrayer (Matthew 26).
His table manners re-wrote the etiquette hand-book. Without reservation, Jesus became good news. Seated at his table are peace, love, hope, redemption, and forgiveness. The table is the door to the good news.
“This is our vocation: to convert the enemy into a guest and to create the free and fearless space where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully experienced” (Henri Nouwen).
Interesting… A lot of great insights.
“not only should we meet the needs of others, but we also need to learn to become gracious guests. When we feed the homeless, do we actually sit down and eat with them?”
This is a VERY good question. Our actions at this point are possibly indicative of whether we are being the image of God in their presence or seeking to do some good deed. Are we among them or above them?
M. I like your turn of phrase “Are we among them or above them?” I fear that too often we are above – sometimes unintentionally, sometimes not.