The Unexpected Guest: A Sermon on Hospitality

Martha bustled about her small cottage, a whirlwind of nervous energy. Today was the day – the day Jesus himself was coming for dinner! She scrubbed the floorboards till they gleamed, dusted every corner, and arranged her finest linens on the table. The roast chicken, her pride and joy, browned perfectly in the oven, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
Suddenly, a tapping at the door startled her. On the stoop sat a ragged beggar, his clothes dusty and worn. "Kind woman," he rasped, "could you spare a crust of bread? I haven't eaten a proper meal in days." Martha, flustered and worried about making a good impression, slammed the door shut. "No time for beggars today! I'm expecting a very important guest!"
Later, a knock came at the door again. This time, a stooped old man with a cane leaned against the frame, his face etched with pain. "Excuse me, miss," he croaked, "I seem to be lost. Could you point me in the right direction?" Martha peeked through the curtain. "Not today, sir! I can't risk anyone muddying my clean floor before Jesus arrives!" and shut the door once more.
Hours passed, the roast grew cold, and the disappointment in Martha's heart began to fester. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room. Dejected, Martha sank into a chair. Just then, a small whimper came from the window. A young child, tears streaming down her face, stood clutching a ragged doll. "Miss," she sobbed, "I'm lost and scared. Can I please stay here for a little while?"
Without a second thought, Martha turned away, muttering, "Not tonight, child! I can't have anyone ruining the evening!" Exhausted and heartbroken, Martha finally decided to call it a night. As she doused the fire, a gentle voice echoed behind her, "Martha, why the long face?"
Turning around, Martha gasped. Standing before her, cloaked in a soft light, was Jesus. Tears welled up in Martha's eyes. "Why haven't you joined me for dinner?" she asked. "I have been expecting you all day!" she stammered.
Jesus smiled gently, his eyes held no anger, only sadness. "Indeed, Martha. I came three times, but you turned me away. Remember the beggar, the lost old man, and the scared child?" Martha's heart sank. Shame washed over her as she realized she had missed her chance to serve the very person she was so desperately trying to impress.
"True hospitality, Martha," Jesus said, placing a hand on her shoulder, "is not reserved for the grand occasion. It lies in offering a kind word, a warm meal, or a safe haven to those in need, whoever they may be." With a final, knowing look, Jesus faded away, leaving Martha alone with the cold roast and a heavy heart, forever changed by the three unexpected visits of the one she had longed to receive.

Read Luke 10:38-42

The Call to Open Hearts and Open Doors

The Bible is filled with verses reminding us of the importance of welcoming strangers. Hebrews 13:2 tells us:

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Think about it - an act of kindness, a simple offering can have a profound impact. Perhaps the stranger at our door is not just someone lost or hungry, but an unexpected messenger of God, an opportunity to experience grace in disguise.

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