Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters! We're here today to delve into a beautiful message from the book of Matthew. We're going to be talking about Jesus' example of love and welcome, our calling to extend that same warm welcome to others, and the blessings that come from doing so.

As the great Christian author C.S. Lewis once said, "Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives." It's this kind of affection that Jesus exemplified and that we're called to show to one another.

Let's read our scripture passage for today, 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 bow our heads for a moment of prayer, shall we?

Dear God, as we gather together today, open our hearts to receive Your word and guide us to better understand the love and welcome that Jesus showed during His time on earth. Help us to be reflections of that love in our daily interactions, welcoming others with open arms just as You welcome us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Jesus' Example of Love and Welcome

In the life and ministry of Jesus, we see an extraordinary example of love and welcome. Jesus, the Son of God, left the glory of heaven to dwell among us, extending an invitation of love and acceptance to all. His life was a testament to the power of love and the transformative effect of a warm welcome. He broke societal norms and barriers, reaching out to those who were marginalized and ostracized, demonstrating that His love was for everyone, irrespective of their social, economic, or moral standing.

Jesus' love was not a passive emotion; it was active, intentional, and often sacrificial. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and comforted the grieving, showing His love through His actions. He welcomed children when others rebuked them, He ate with tax collectors and sinners when others shunned them, and He touched lepers when others feared them. His love was not just spoken; it was shown, it was felt. It was a love that saw beyond the exterior, beyond the faults and the failures, to the heart of the individual.

Moreover, Jesus' welcome was not merely an invitation; it was an embrace. He didn't just tolerate people; He celebrated them. He didn't just accept people; He affirmed them. He didn't just invite people; He included them. He made room at the table for everyone, extending a warm welcome that communicated value, worth, and belonging.

This love and welcome were not reserved for those who were like Him or those who agreed with Him. Jesus extended His love and welcome to those who were different, those who disagreed, and even those who persecuted Him. On the cross, in His most agonizing moment, He expressed love for His executioners, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." His love was not conditional on reciprocation or agreement; it was unconditional, unchanging, and unending.

Furthermore, Jesus' love and welcome were not just about making people feel good; they were about leading people to truth and transformation. He loved people too much to leave them in their brokenness and sin. His welcome was not an endorsement of sin; it was an invitation to repentance and new life. He welcomed the woman caught in adultery, not to condone her sin, but to offer her forgiveness and a fresh start. His love was not a blind love; it was a redemptive love.

In all these ways, Jesus set an extraordinary example of love and welcome. He showed us what it looks like to love without limits, to welcome without prejudice, and to extend grace without reservation. His love and welcome challenge us, inspire us, and call us to do the same.

Called to Welcome with Open Arms

As we delve into the second point of our sermon, we're called to reflect on the concept of welcoming others with open arms ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO