Hospitality is indeed a gift. If someone has it, you know it instantly. Likewise, if they don’t, you know that too. Martha of Bethany had the gift! Historians report that she was the toast of the town and people frequently sought her home as a port in the storm. Ideally, Martha’s open-door policy provided a safe haven to many, including Jesus, who loved being there.
Jesus not only loved Bethany, but He also loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus! Outside of the disciples, these were His closest friends. How close? Jesus spent the last week of His earthly ministry in Bethany fellowshipping among these friends. That’s huge when you consider that He was no respecter of people or places - not really - but He found solace and comfort there. Although He knew the importance of home and that sense of belonging, Jesus never owned one. In His confession of Matthew 8:20, Jesus declared: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Once Jesus’ ministry launched, Martha’s home in Bethany was as close as He found to an earthly haven. No other home in scripture appears to hold this draw on Jesus’ heart.
What made Bethany and Martha’s home so special? The welcoming, of course, and their love and acceptance minus demands. Look at our focus verse. It says it all. “Martha welcomed Him,” and it came from the heart. Her initial greeting reveals that she truly was thrilled to have Jesus in her home. His presence uplifted her countenance, and her greeting was sincere and inviting. No guest could compare with the presence of the incarnate God “made flesh, who dwelt among men.” But note this. Martha’s welcome had little to do with the Lord’s deity. It had to do with Martha, and embracing others was in her. It was part of her nature, and she did it well. A search of the New Testament will reveal that none rivaled Martha when it came to hospitality.
Let’s look at Martha’s welcome. From the language, it means “to accept the presence of a person with friendliness—to welcome, to receive, to accept, to have as a guest.” Did you catch that? When Martha received Jesus into her home, He was the guest, and every ounce of the cultural protocol was observed - plus some! But it was more than mere protocol. Her hospitality was biblical, cultural, and a long-standing practice. Indeed, Martha’s welcome was the total package, including warmth, acceptance, and charity. But at its core, the “coveted welcome” involves more than words. It’s supported by posture, demeanor, and attitude. Because we’re not newbies, in an instant, we know if we’re genuinely received or not. Let’s face it! At times, although welcoming words are spoken, body language tells a wholly unwelcoming story instead. Watch this, though. Extending a biblical welcome is not new.
The story of Martha’s hospitable nature unfolds in the New Testament, but the practice of welcoming was God’s plan from the beginning. Moses advised the Israelites to treat the sojourner as yourself, for “you were once strangers in the land of Egypt.” Although this passage does not address travelers exclusively, its general meaning is the same. Paul and the author of Hebrews also reinforced the practice. (See Leviticus 19:34, Hebrews 31:2, and Romans 12:13.) The message is clear, and first-century Christians seemed to do it well! Scholars note that lodging for weary travelers was not only risky and expensive but sketchy at best and often problematic. The Hebrews stepped it up and obeyed God by providing the perfect alternative - a port in the storm. Scripture reveals their universal open door policy. Although idyllic, it was long before the internet, email, text, or cell phones, so hosts had no advance notice. Instead, you were called into action when someone arrived at the door - just as Jesus had in Bethany! Such spontaneity makes it more incredible because hosts welcomed guests without preparation, advance reservation, or forethought. As commanded, they just did it!
The Bible affirms they provided food and lodging and washed their guests’ feet! Wow! You may be thinking, “I can’t do that; we live in dangerous times!” Yes, we do, but these times were also tumultuous for believers. Nonetheless, they embraced one another, welcoming strangers from their hearts. If they could embrace strangers, shame on us for the petty disputes we harbor in our hearts against fellow believers. We often eat our own - and do so in the name of religion! Because it’s God’s plan and universally needed, we must embrace others from our hearts and let all strife and divisiveness go. When we extend a biblical welcome, it expresses God’s love. Lest we forget, we were all foreigners before God’s profound grace wooed us into His family of faith.
What’s the takeaway? God has a plan to use us to reach others. That doesn’t mean that you’ll be hosting overnight lodgers any time soon. But remember this: Our willingness is a heart issue! Since we are His only hope and purveyors of love and faith on the earth, we must welcome folks as Martha did, with her whole heart and generosity of spirit. Who knows? One day soon, you may entertain angels unaware! After all, Martha entertained Greatness - the King of kings and the Lord of lords! Just think! Her home was frequented by Jesus, the Messiah, who lived to die and dwelt among men! And He came there often. Now I ask you, how amazing is that?
Prayer: Mighty and gracious Lord, give us welcoming hearts. Help us love our neighbors as ourselves and bring great glory to your Name through the process. Thank you, Lord Jesus! Amen and amen.
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