Practicing Hospitality
There’s something special that happens around a table. Whether it’s over a lavish meal or a simple cup of coffee, the act of sharing a conversation with someone has the power to connect us. Yet, for many of us, the table has become a lost space—reserved for our inner circles or special occasions.
Loneliness and isolation have become the new way of life. Whether it’s a result of social media, a lingering effect of social distancing, or the downside of rugged individualism, our culture is becoming ideologically divided, suspicious of strangers, and quick to anger. But this isn’t the way of Jesus.
Loneliness and isolation have become the new way of life. Whether it’s a result of social media, a lingering effect of social distancing, or the downside of rugged individualism, our culture is becoming ideologically divided, suspicious of strangers, and quick to anger. But this isn’t the way of Jesus.
Jesus Came Eating and Drinking
Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus breaking bread with people from all walks of life—sinners, skeptics, and even hypocrites. He wasn’t selective with his invitations; he willingly sacrificed his time, energy, and reputation to gather with people around a table. If we want to follow Jesus’ example, it’s time to reclaim the table as a tool for loving our neighbors.
The Table as a Place of Connection
At first glance, a table is just four legs and a flat top, but in reality, it’s a powerful space that shapes our lives. Think about it: we enter the world on a surgical table, grow up eating around a dinner table, and gather with friends over coffee tables. Tables bring people together. They force us to face one another, honor personal space, and create opportunities for meaningful conversations.
When food is added to the mix, connection deepens. Dipping chips into the same bowl of salsa isn’t just about satisfying our taste buds—it’s an unspoken acknowledgment of our shared humanity. It reminds us that we all depend on food for survival and delight in its flavors. Sharing a meal turns strangers into friends and creates a sense of belonging.
When food is added to the mix, connection deepens. Dipping chips into the same bowl of salsa isn’t just about satisfying our taste buds—it’s an unspoken acknowledgment of our shared humanity. It reminds us that we all depend on food for survival and delight in its flavors. Sharing a meal turns strangers into friends and creates a sense of belonging.
The Table as a Place of Blessing
Food is a love language. While we often think of love languages in terms of words or actions, food is one of the simplest ways we express care for one another. God could have made eating purely functional, like fueling a car, but instead, he gave us taste buds so we could enjoy the experience. One of the oldest prayers in the Church says, “Blessed are you, O Lord God, King of the Universe, for you gave us food to sustain our lives and to gladden our hearts.” The act of sharing a meal is a sacred gift.
The Table as a Place of Formation
Tables are where family stories are told, values are passed down, and identities are shaped. In the Old Testament, God commanded his people to celebrate the Sabbath and Passover as meals of remembrance. In the New Testament, Jesus used a meal—the Last Supper—to explain his sacrifice. NT Wright puts it beautifully: “When Jesus wanted to explain his forthcoming death, he didn’t give a theory. He gave them a meal.”
Who’s Invited to the Table?
This question stirred controversy in Jesus’ day. In Jewish culture, table fellowship had strict rules. Only respected insiders—people who could enhance your social standing—were welcome. Sinners, outsiders, and Gentiles were excluded. Table fellowship became a way of drawing lines between who was in and who was out.
But Jesus broke the rules. He ate with the people everyone else avoided. The religious leaders mocked him, saying, “He eats with sinners and tax collectors.” But Jesus practiced radical hospitality. He welcomed the outsiders in.
But Jesus broke the rules. He ate with the people everyone else avoided. The religious leaders mocked him, saying, “He eats with sinners and tax collectors.” But Jesus practiced radical hospitality. He welcomed the outsiders in.
Hospitality vs. Entertaining
Hospitality is not the same as entertaining. While entertaining is about impressing others, hospitality is about blessing them. Entertaining waits for everything to be perfect; hospitality invites people in, even when life is messy. It’s easy to let a fear of not having the perfect home, food, or event keep us from inviting people to our table. But Jesus never said hospitality required perfection—only a willing heart.
Three Obstacles to Hospitality
- “I don’t have the gift of hospitality.”
- Hospitality isn’t just a special talent; it’s a calling for all believers. It’s less about skill and more about heart.
- “I don’t have time for hospitality.”
- We live in a busy culture, but the antidote is simple: prioritize what matters. Jesus didn’t rush past people; he made time for them.
- “I’m uncomfortable around outsiders.”
- We often prefer being with people who think, believe, and act like us. But Jesus welcomed those who were different, showing that acceptance doesn’t mean condoning someone’s choices—it means loving them where they are.
The Great Banquet: A Parable of Hospitality
In Luke 14, Jesus tells the parable of a man who prepared a great banquet and invited guests. Those initially invited made excuses and declined, so the host invited the poor, crippled, blind, and lame—those society rejected. Then, he sent his servant to the highways and country lanes to invite even more people. The message was clear: God’s kingdom is an open table.
Many of us take our invitation for granted, like the original guests in the parable. We get distracted by business, family, and personal success. Others feel like the outsiders—unworthy of a seat at the table. But the truth is, we are all invited.
The servant in the parable played a critical role. He was the one who extended the invitation. As followers of Jesus, that’s our role too. We are called to welcome others to the table, just as we have been welcomed.
Many of us take our invitation for granted, like the original guests in the parable. We get distracted by business, family, and personal success. Others feel like the outsiders—unworthy of a seat at the table. But the truth is, we are all invited.
The servant in the parable played a critical role. He was the one who extended the invitation. As followers of Jesus, that’s our role too. We are called to welcome others to the table, just as we have been welcomed.
The Challenge: Extend One Table Invitation
As we prepare for Easter, we’re inviting you to practice hospitality by extending one table invitation to an outsider. Here’s how:
Hospitality isn’t just about opening our homes—it’s about opening our hearts. Jesus welcomed us to his table despite our brokenness. Now, he calls us to do the same for others.
So, who will you invite to the table?
- Reflect – Are you confusing entertaining with hospitality? What fears are holding you back?
- Plan – What can you say no to in order to create space for hospitality?
- Pray – Who is God leading you to invite to your table?
Hospitality isn’t just about opening our homes—it’s about opening our hearts. Jesus welcomed us to his table despite our brokenness. Now, he calls us to do the same for others.
So, who will you invite to the table?