The Hospitality of Jesus

(Outline.)

September 5, 2004 - John Wesley united Methodist Church, Falmouth, Massachusetts

Luke 14

A leader of the Pharisees invited Jesus to dinner. It was NOT because he wanted Jesus' company for fellowship. Jesus was "watched intently." This was a fault-finding expedition.

Have you ever gotten into an awkward social situation?

But Jesus was watching them, too. There they were, jockeying for position. He also saw something, someone, they did not see. He saw a man that needed help.

He asked them, do I keep your rules, or do I heal this man on the Sabbath. (He was NOT "breaking" the Sabbath!)

I. JESUS EXPOSED THE INSINCERITY OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS BUILT ON APPEARANCE RATHER THAN SUBSTANCE

When people say what they think other people want to hear . . .when they don't dare to be who they really are . . . they are NOT reflecting the simple love of Jesus! God's people seek to speak the truth in love.

II. JESUS SHOWED THAT HOSPITALITY IS A HANDS-ON ATTITUDE, RATHER THAN A "LONG-DISTANCE" IDEA

Hospitality is having room in our heart for another.

WHAT GOES ON INSIDE A CHURCH IS OFTEN THE KEY TO WHAT WILL HAPPEN OUTSIDE!

III. AT THE LORD'S TABLE WE ARE HIS GUESTS, RECEIVING HIS HOSPITALITY

We take our place at the family table, and share the family's meal.

IV. BUT SOMETIMES, AS THE LORD'S FAMILY, WE HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF INVITING OTHERS TO COME INTO THE HOSPITALITY

WHEN WE ARE INVITING OTHERS to Christ's banquet Jesus says our motives must be meeting THEIR NEEDS, and not simply making OUR church bigger. Jesus saw a man who had a need while all the others seemed to be looking for the best seat. Listen to a part of the Epistle lesson again, from The Message:

"Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it's needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without even knowing it! Regard prisoners as if you were in prison with them. Look on victims of abuse as if what happened to them had happened to you. Honor marriage, and guard the sacredness of sexual intimacy between wife and husband. God draws a firm line against casual and illicit sex.

Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you," we can boldly quote,"God is there, ready to help; I'm fearless no matter what. Who or what can get to me?" (Hebrews 13: 1 - 5)

IV. JESUS DEMONSTRATES HIS HOSPITALITY HERE AT HIS TABLE THIS MORNING: HE HAS INVITED ALL WHO WILL TO COME, TO PARTAKE.

The hospitality Jesus expects of us is simply a reflection of the kind of hospitality He extends to us as He invites us to His table. Jesus does not exclude those of us who are weak, or sinful, or imperfect in our service. He does not invite those who can afford to pay their own way. He calls to you and to me.

Will you come if he asks you? Will you try to be more like Him?