Mary and Martha were known (and named) for their hospitality. Can you imagine the privilege of keeping the Son of God himself in your home? Talk about pressure!
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” Luke 10:38-40
How wonderful that Martha welcomed Jesus into her home! It was an excellent beginning to hospitality. But she fell so easily into the trap of stressing and doing rather than trusting and listening. We do, too.
Sometimes, though, we hesitate to practice hospitality because of comparison. I can’t do it like __________. But the Lord doesn’t ask us to be hospitable like that person over there. He knows what we have and who we are. He does not ask for cloth tablecloths and gourmet meals. He does not mention well swept floors or tidy living rooms. He speaks of our attitudes:
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9
And he speaks of simplicity and a welcoming spirit:
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…. And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ ~ Matthew 25:35, 40
What would have happened if Martha had sat with Mary at the Lord’s feet? Would he have miraculously worked another loaves and fish miracle? Would he have had the apostles on rotations: Peter cut the vegetables, Andrew stir the pot, and John wash the dishes? I guess we’ll never know.
The son of God never owned a home and had “nowhere to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Yet he also practiced the art of hospitality: giving the gift of his time, attention and love. Without a brick and mortar space, he hosted thousands. He gave people what they needed. He listened when they cried. He did not do “small talk” but rather spoke deeply and truly about things that matter.
We too can learn from his example, sharing small things with those around us – a glass of water, a simple meal, an encouraging word, a listening ear, not just in the physical boundaries of our home but also as we go throughout our day.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21
Photo by Thomas John on Unsplash
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