Hope and HospitalitySample

A Cheat’s Meal

Invitation is fundamental to evangelism. They go together like food and drink, like light and warmth, like rhythm and melody, like hospitality and hope. It’s possible that before you came to know Jesus, someone invited you to an event or to their home, and that’s what God used to invite you into His story.

Luke records the story of Zacchaeus, a hated, dishonest, notorious, (short) tax collector who, despite his attempts to hide, is seen and singled out by Jesus, who invites Himself for dinner at Zacchaeus’ house. The onlookers to this interaction are disgusted that Jesus is paying attention to Zacchaeus, because of the latter’s notorious reputation. Astonishingly, however, Jesus’ invitation transforms this tax collector’s attitudes and actions.

The friendship that develops between Jesus and Zacchaeus teaches us that hospitality rejects prejudice. Zacchaeus was ostracised. He considered himself – and was considered by others – unpopular and undeserving, and yet Jesus saw beyond the prejudices of the community, and beyond the prejudices Zacchaeus had of himself.

Jesus shows us that hospitality risks reputation. Inviting Himself over to Zacchaeus’ house is a social scandal of epic proportion, but He’s prepared to make Himself unpopular and risk His reputation for Zacchaeus’ sake. For Jesus, the most valuable asset is always relationship – with His Father, and with those made in His Father’s image. It’s worth considering that ultimately your reputation is not nearly as important as your relationships.

When Jesus sees Zacchaeus in the tree (because no one can hide from God), He does the socially unorthodox, socially unacceptable thing and invites Himself for dinner, showing us that hospitality removes barriers and refuses to adhere to cancel culture. Jesus doesn’t worry about guilt by association, and we needn’t either. In fact, make it your mission to shock someone with the unconditional grace, love, and hospitality you show them.

By engaging with Zacchaeus, Jesus teaches us that hospitality reverses expectations. Jesus often accepted others’ hospitality and was in fact more often a guest than a host. This was His way of honouring others, affirming them and delighting in their dignity. If you find it difficult to accept gifts or hospitality, think about your next step as you consider loving others well by graciously accepting invitations.

Finally, hospitality opens the door for evangelism. We don’t know exactly what Jesus and Zacchaeus talk about over supper, but Jesus’ invitation results in Zacchaeus’ salvation and radical transformation: he suddenly wants to give his money away, help the poor, and make amends.

Jesus’ model of evangelism – from invitation, to salvation, to transformation – shows us how hospitality can break down barriers and bring good news to those who least expect it and need it most. Remind yourself that Jesus is still in the business of inviting Himself in for dinner: He sees you, welcomes you, includes you in His Kingdom, and transforms you for His glory.