Jesus Extended Hospitality

It’s true that Jesus spent His ministry years traveling from place to place without a home to call His own (Luke 9:58), which begs the question: How was Jesus a gracious host? Despite His living conditions, Jesus shared with others whenever possible and welcomed people into His presence. This act alone is the sign of a true host: a generosity of spirit and a willingness to come close to others.

Some of my favorite moments in Scripture though, show us how Jesus managed to graciously host people despite the lack of an earthly home. In John 21, for example, the resurrected Christ cooked fish on the shoreline for His friends! It was a cookout, a fireside chat, or a resurrection tailgate, you might say. After they followed His direction—not yet knowing they were speaking to Jesus resurrected—and brought in nets full of fish, Jesus instructed the disciples to bring their fish to shore. Once there, they realized to whom they were speaking—and Jesus made them breakfast.

Envision Jesus Christ—Savior of the world, who had just conquered death—collecting sticks, stacking rocks, tending to a fire, grilling fish, and serving bread. Can you imagine it? I expect that this meal was one of the most special meals ever served—one filled with compassion and tenderness of the highest degree. Certainly, the disciples were overcome with awe, but also the love of their risen Lord. May Christ’s example remind us that even the smallest gesture can be imbued with His overwhelming care for us.