entertaining Angels

 Entertaining Angels?

It’s been said, by more than one person, that humility and hospitality are basic Christian virtues.  Luke tells us Jesus spoke about humility and hospitality while eating with a Pharisee one Sabbath day.  (look up Luke 14:1-14)

The meal started with what feels like an interruption.  A man showed up with legs swollen by edema.  Jesus asked the Pharisees, who watched him closely, if it was right to heal on the sabbath.  The Pharisees sat silent.  Jesus healed the man.  He sent him on his way.  Now with all eyes Jesus he told a parable about a feast.  He encouraged people to take the lowest seat—that they might be honored later  Next He told the people they should give banquets for people who could never repay.

Jesus words about being humble and serving those who can’t echo with other parts of scripture.  Jesus talked about the least of these.  Prophets like Moses, Isaiah, Malachi called for care the widows, orphans, and aliens.  Jesus tells us to care for the least of these and to welcomes strangers.  Hospitality is deeply spiritual—because we are caring for Jesus when we care for the least of these.  The writer to the Hebrews says We may be even entertaining angels when we welcome in strangers.  Luke up Hebrews 13:2.