Jesus is full of surprises. When he was passing through Jericho one day, he stopped and invited himself over to the home of Zacchaeus, a social outcast. This audacious move was deeply offensive to many who despised the chief tax collector: “He’s gone to be the guest of a sinner,” they scoffed. But it dramatically changed Zacchaeus’ life.
There’s astounding power embedded in welcoming people into our homes and into our lives. This Sunday’s sermon will focus on our desire at City Church to be a hospitable community.
Jesus’ example of regularly entering the home of people, especially tax collectors and “sinners,” such as Zacchaeus, enjoying a meal as their guest, says a great deal about him and those whose hospitality he received. In the ancient world, to enter one’s home, to share a meal with someone, was to share life. Such a gesture of intimacy created a deep bond.
The biblical vision of hospitality goes far beyond our modern conception, emphasizing the importance of welcoming not only those whom we already consider friends, but strangers as well.
The Christian community is to be characterized by this kind of hospitality that welcomes people, particularly strangers, into our homes and creates space for them in our lives. Being a hospitable community means we’re always on the lookout for people outside our normative social circles, recognizing those who are alone, and extending welcome to them in the name of Jesus, who “came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
By sharing meals and our lives with one another, we’re changed in ways we could never have imagined. It not only helps us avoid isolation, but through it we discover the mystery of Christ’s transforming presence in surprising ways.
Hope to see you this Sunday, and don’t forget to invite others to your spiritual home at City Church.