Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into a passage from the book of Matthew that teaches us about the power of hospitality, the blessing of welcoming Jesus, and the reward of offering a cup of cold water.

As Henri Nouwen once said, "Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place."

Let's read together from Matthew 10:40-42:

"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and whoever welcomes a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of the righteous; and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward."

Let's pray together as we open our hearts and minds to the Word of God.

The Power

The power of hospitality is a practice that goes beyond merely opening our homes to others; it encompasses the way we interact with and treat one another, both within and outside the walls of our church.

In today's world: Division and strife seem to be the norm, the power of hospitality is more important than ever before. It is a force that can break down barriers, create connections, and foster a sense of belonging and unity among people from all walks of life.

Creating a space where people feel welcomed and valued: This is not just about providing a physical space, but also about creating an atmosphere of warmth, acceptance, and love. When we practice hospitality, we are essentially saying to others, "You matter, and I care about you." This simple yet profound message can have a transformative impact on the lives of those who receive it.

Jesus teaches that when we welcome others, we are also welcoming Him and the Father who sent Him. Our acts of hospitality are not just about being kind to others, but they are also a way of serving and honoring God. When we open our hearts and homes to others, we are not only extending love and care to them, but we are also demonstrating our love for God and our commitment to living out His teachings.

Breaking down barriers and building bridges between people: In a world where differences in race, religion, and socio-economic status often lead to division and conflict, the practice of hospitality can be a powerful tool for promoting understanding and unity. By welcoming others into our lives and treating them with kindness and respect, we can help to break down the walls that separate us and create a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Transforms the lives of those who practice it: When we make a conscious effort to be more hospitable, we are not only blessing others but also enriching our own lives. As we open our hearts and homes to others, we often find that we receive far more than we give. We gain new friendships, new perspectives, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. In the process, we also grow in our faith and become more like Christ, who was the ultimate example of hospitality and love.

It can impact our church community: When we prioritize hospitality within our congregation, we create an environment where people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. This can have a profound effect on the overall health and vitality of our church. People are more likely to become involved, to form deep and lasting connections with one another, and to grow in their faith when they feel that they are part of a loving and supportive community.

Overcoming our own fears and insecurities: It can be intimidating to open our homes and our lives to others, especially those who may be different from us in some way. However, it is important to remember that hospitality is not about being perfect or having everything together. It is about being willing to be vulnerable and to share our lives with others, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

Willing to extend it to those who may not seem deserving of our kindness or care: Jesus made a point of reaching out to those who were marginalized, rejected, and considered "unclean" by the society of His time. He demonstrated that true hospitality is not about only welcoming those who are like us or who make us feel comfortable, but it is about reaching out to those who are in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Important to remember: It is not just about grand gestures or elaborate events. Sometimes, the most powerful acts of hospitality are the small, everyday moments of kindness and care that we extend to others. As Jesus said in the passage from Matthew, even offering a cup of cold water to someone in need can be a significant act of love and service.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about how you practice being hospitable or a time when someone was hospitable towards you.

The Blessing

Jesus says, "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO