Learning on the way
Sermon Summary:
This sermon explores biblical hospitality through the lens of the Jewish Passover tradition. The sermon begins with a personal story of experiencing radical hospitality in Paris before connecting it to the meaning of the Passover Seder. The sermon emphasizes that hospitality is not merely inviting people to a meal but including them as active participants in our lives. The Passover tradition, with its inclusion of “strangers” and “sojourners,” demonstrates God’s heart for welcoming outsiders. Jesus transformed the Passover meal into the Last Supper, showing that true hospitality is sacrificial rather than transactional. The sermon concludes by challenging the congregation to practice kingdom-oriented hospitality that extends God’s table to ever-widening circles, foreshadowing the marriage supper of the Lamb where people from all nations will gather.
Key Points:
- Hospitality is not just an act of kindness; it is a sacred act that reflects the heart of God
- Biblical hospitality is rooted in memory—we welcome others because we remember when we needed to be welcomed
- True biblical hospitality transforms guests into family members and involves participation, not passive attendance
- Jesus redefined the Passover meal as an act of self-giving, inviting all to partake
- Biblical hospitality is kingdom-oriented and sacrificial, not transactional
- The church’s hospitality now is a preview of the final banquet in God’s kingdom
Small Group Questions:
- The sermon begins with a story about experiencing hospitality in Paris. Share a time when you were welcomed by strangers in a way that made a significant impact on you. How did that experience reflect God’s character?
- In Hebrews 13:2, we are told not to “neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” What does this verse suggest about the spiritual significance of hospitality?
- The sermon explains that the Passover tradition includes the instruction: “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” How does this compare with our typical approach to hospitality in our culture and in our church?
- Biblical hospitality is described as allowing others to participate in life with you, not just inviting them to a meal. What’s the difference between these approaches, and how might this change the way we practice hospitality?
- Jesus taught in Luke 14:12-14 to invite “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind” rather than those who can repay you. What makes this kind of hospitality difficult? How can we overcome these challenges?
- The sermon suggests that small groups should involve everyone participating and bringing something to the table. How comfortable are you with this approach? What barriers might prevent people from fully participating in community?
- The sermon concludes by asking, “Who is missing from your table?” As you reflect on this question, who comes to mind? What specific step could you take this week to “make room at the table” for someone who is currently excluded?
Key Verses Hebrews 13:2, Exodus 6:6-7, Leviticus 19:33-34, Matthew 25:35, Deuteronomy 10:18-19, Galatians 3:28, Luke 22:14-20, Luke 14:12-14, Acts 2:42-47, Revelation 19:9, Luke 13:29
Application On The Way
This week, practice biblical hospitality by inviting someone into your life, not just your home. This could be a neighbor, coworker, or someone from church who may feel like an outsider. Rather than just sharing a meal, find a way to make them an active participant in something meaningful to you—perhaps including them in a family tradition, asking for their help with a project, or inviting them to join you in serving others. Reflect on how this experience differs from more traditional forms of hospitality.
Want to Go Deeper?
Romans 12:9-13, 1 Peter 4:8-10, Isaiah 25:6-9, Matthew 22:1-14, Acts 10:34-35, Hebrews 11:13-16, James 2:1-9, John 13:1-17, 1 Timothy 3:2, 3 John 1:5-8
The Passover Seder includes setting a place for Elijah, representing hope for the future. How does our practice of communion similarly point to a future hope? Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 and reflect on how this meal connects our past, present, and future as believers.
Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a host who provides abundantly for His people. Read Psalm 23 and Isaiah 55:1-2. How does understanding God as the ultimate host change your perspective on your role in offering hospitality to others?