Many of us would hope to never be caught being drunk, cheating, backstabbing, acting violently, or money hungry; these are all red flags of sin in our Christian walk. But we wouldn’t necessarily point to being inhospitable as a red flag. Though it is more subtle, the command of hospitality could pose just as much of a challenge for us if we aren’t intentional about following Jesus’ lead and loving others. Radical hospitality was at the core of Jesus’ mission and the center of his method of evangelism. He shared his meals with his disciples, but also with those who were deemed by society as unworthy, of bad influence, morally subpar, and deplorable. Throughout history, meals have been used to segregate, but Jesus used them to usher people into his kingdom, one meal at a time. Breaking bread or sharing the gospel with our own family, tribe, or squad can come as second nature to us, but when we invite the outsider in to sit at our table is when we emulate the heart of Jesus. Then we’ll get to know that the truth truly goes down better with a meal.

Being hospitable is what turns strangers into friends.

1. The method of service

Jesus’ method of evangelism emphasizes hospitality by serving others right where they are.  He used meals as a way to invite people in. Using this form of service allows us to find out exactly what others need and be a helping hand. When we do ordinary things, they have supernatural implications.

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” —‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

2. The method of conversations

While his sermons were a catalyst for exchanging new thoughts and ideas, Jesus impacted the world through the simple act of conversation. When we invite people to eat and drink, we open the door to go deeper and be vulnerable with one another. Jesus was successful in this method of creating a safe space to spread the gospel, radically changing the world one conversation at a time.

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” —Hebrews 13:1‭-‬2 NIV

Hospitality comes from the root word hospital. It’s no wonder Jesus told his disciples “healthy people don’t need a doctor, sick people do.” Jesus knew that sharing meals was the best tool for building vulnerability and transparency. The Gospel of Luke recounts over 50 times where Jesus was either going to a meal, at a meal, or leaving a meal. Jesus was about his Father’s business of healing the broken. Even in his final moments on earth, he took the time to share one last meal with those who he knew would need to be fortified for the days ahead. In the same way, the Church is the hospital for the broken, hurting, and lost. The Church is the hospital, and Jesus is the healer. Our faith in Jesus is not a crutch we lean on, but he is the stretcher that carries us through as we co-mission our lives to seek and serve the lost.