Introduction

Good morning, church family! I'm so excited to be with you today as we dive into the Word of God together. Today's message is all about the power of welcoming others, the invitation to eternal salvation, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and value.

As the beloved Christian author, C.S. Lewis wrote in the Weight of Glory, "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal...Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.”

How powerful is that thought? There are no ordinary people, and we are called to treat each person as a sacred creation of God almighty. We see Jesus model this in the New Testament, and we’ve been called to do the same in our lives. Called to welcome others; The stranger, the poor, the lonely, the marginalized…everyone.

There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal...Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.

A Welcome Reward

The idea of a welcome reward is not only about the blessings we receive when we open our hearts and homes to others, but it is also about the blessings that come to those who are welcomed. In this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about the importance of welcoming others and the rewards that come with it. He says, "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me." This statement is a profound reminder that when we welcome others, we are not only welcoming them but also welcoming Jesus and God the Father.

Being welcoming to others is also about being hospitable. In biblical times, and even today, hospitality was a crucial part of the culture. People would open their homes to travelers, providing them with food, shelter, and companionship. This practice was not only a way to show kindness and love to others, but it was also a way to honor God. By welcoming others into our homes and lives, we are demonstrating our love for God and our willingness to serve Him. In doing so, we are also opening ourselves up to receive blessings from God.

As Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward." This means that when we welcome someone who is a prophet or a righteous person, we are opening ourselves up to receive the same spiritual blessings that they have received from God. This is a powerful reminder that our actions have a direct impact on our spiritual lives and the blessings we receive from God.

When we welcome others, we are acknowledging that they are important and valuable in the eyes of God. We are treating them with the dignity and respect that they deserve as a child of God. In addition, when we welcome others into our lives, we are creating opportunities for deep and meaningful connections. These connections can lead to spiritual growth, emotional healing, and a greater understanding of God's love for us. By welcoming others, we are not only providing them with a safe and loving environment, but we are also creating opportunities for our own spiritual growth and development. It’s what you might call a “win-win” situation.

Our actions have a ripple effect, and the love and kindness that we show to others can spread throughout our communities and beyond ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium