Most Christians understand that giving hospitality is part of our faith tradition, but so is accepting hospitality. In Mark 6, as well as Luke 10, Jesus sends out 12 or 72 disciples (depending on which gospel writer) to share the good news. You might think that these disciples are the givers – performing a hospitality of sorts as they proclaim the good news, heal the sick and drive out demons. But part of discipleship is being recipients of hospitality. Jesus tells the disciples to bring no provisions on the journey, except a walking staff. In other words, no bread, no bag and no money (Mark 6:8). Without these things, you are at the mercy of others. Perhaps that’s the point. Jesus tells them to stay at the houses that welcome them, and to eat and drink whatever they offer (Luke 10:7). The ones who come to be healers are themselves tended and nourished.
What does this say about following Jesus? To follow Christ is to enter into a community of believers, one where we learn to give and to receive. A genuine relationship requires both.
This message is excerpted from “Radical hospitality” by Lisa A. Smith in the July/August 2014 Gather magazine. Today is the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. Today we commemorate Jan Hus, martyr, 1415.
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