Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Invitation to Christ's Hospitality
John 1:35-42
Vs 12-13 "When He had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet."
When I was asked to write a small devotion about Christ's invitation to hospitality, I decided to start off by first giving a contemporary definition of the word hospitality. According to dictionary.com, "hospitality" is friendly, welcoming behavior toward guests or people you have just met. In a more relatable sense, it is treating others how you would want to be treated. Interestingly enough, we see Jesus Christ taking this to a new level in the 13th chapter of John's gospel. He says, "When He had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, 'Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.' " John 13:12-14
It is imperative that we understand the cultural context when comprehending the very words of Jesus Christ himself. You see, in Jesus's day, washing the feet of a visitor was the job of the lowest servant in the house. Please keep in mind that at the time, people wore open toed sandals similar to birkenstocks and everyone walked through very dusty and dirty roads. All of this dirt and grime would collect on people's feet; thus everytime one entered a home, a servant would come and wash his or her feet. When Jesus did this for his disciples, he was showing them an example of how followers of Christ should treat one another. Jesus, being the most incredible leader the world has ever seen, sums it up best when he tells us that whoever desires to be great should make himself the least servant of all. This is a form of servant leadership, which in principle still holds true today as the most effective form of leadership.
On a more personal note, I had a friend in college named Ronald. Looking back, I see how God had used his sincere hospitality to draw me closer to the Jesus he knew and loved. He simply invited me into his life. He never pushed or judged but always shared his relationship with Christ. My response was I believe in God, and I am a good person. He just gently showed me that I too could have a personal walk with Christ. He invited me to Bible studies, his church and even his home. He included me in his life and more importantly, prayed for me. Through these experiences, I saw his great humility, love and kindness. His hospitality drew me to follow and pursue the Jesus he intimately knew. I began to realize it was not my goodness that would allow me to stand in the presence of God. It was not my righteousness that would offer me eternity in Heaven. It was open to show kindness to one another and ultimately seek an opportunity to offer hope through a personal relationship with Jesus. After all, God gave us a gift we will never be able to repay. In exchange for our sins, God offered us eternal salvation by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to earth as our Savior.
the gift of Christ Himself.
So how can we follow Jesus' example of hospitality? It can begin with simply loving people and showing kindness to those around me. If we look around, our spheres of influence include our families, friends,
neighbors, coworkers and even the stranger who crosses your path during the day. Remember to keep your eyes open.
It is imperative that we understand the cultural context when comprehending the very words of Jesus Christ himself. You see, in Jesus's day, washing the feet of a visitor was the job of the lowest servant in the house. Please keep in mind that at the time, people wore open toed sandals similar to birkenstocks and everyone walked through very dusty and dirty roads. All of this dirt and grime would collect on people's feet; thus everytime one entered a home, a servant would come and wash his or her feet. When Jesus did this for his disciples, he was showing them an example of how followers of Christ should treat one another. Jesus, being the most incredible leader the world has ever seen, sums it up best when he tells us that whoever desires to be great should make himself the least servant of all. This is a form of servant leadership, which in principle still holds true today as the most effective form of leadership.
On a more personal note, I had a friend in college named Ronald. Looking back, I see how God had used his sincere hospitality to draw me closer to the Jesus he knew and loved. He simply invited me into his life. He never pushed or judged but always shared his relationship with Christ. My response was I believe in God, and I am a good person. He just gently showed me that I too could have a personal walk with Christ. He invited me to Bible studies, his church and even his home. He included me in his life and more importantly, prayed for me. Through these experiences, I saw his great humility, love and kindness. His hospitality drew me to follow and pursue the Jesus he intimately knew. I began to realize it was not my goodness that would allow me to stand in the presence of God. It was not my righteousness that would offer me eternity in Heaven. It was open to show kindness to one another and ultimately seek an opportunity to offer hope through a personal relationship with Jesus. After all, God gave us a gift we will never be able to repay. In exchange for our sins, God offered us eternal salvation by sending His son, Jesus Christ, to earth as our Savior.
the gift of Christ Himself.
So how can we follow Jesus' example of hospitality? It can begin with simply loving people and showing kindness to those around me. If we look around, our spheres of influence include our families, friends,
neighbors, coworkers and even the stranger who crosses your path during the day. Remember to keep your eyes open.
PRAYER
Almighty God, the ever-loving host, help us to love one another with the eyes of Jesus. Teach us what it means to love the stranger as we love ourselves. Above all, give us wisdom and courage to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those whom you have placed in our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Lord enable us keep our eyes open to see the suffering and needy around us and do not walk on the other side of the road.
Dr .Sherwin Jose, Miami ,Florida
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Dr .Sherwin Jose, Miami ,Florida
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church