Hospitality in Discipleship
Writing to his friend Gaius, John touched on a lot with few words in his third letter. I was reading through it recently when something caught my attention. It was John pointing out the hospitality Gaius showed toward brothers in Christ, “even though they are strangers,” (3 John v5).
A few verses later, he moved from describing the faithful physicality of his friend’s hospitable actions, to prescribing them for himself, his audience, and by default, you and me.
“We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth,” (v8).
I don't know how your local church functions but I’m not keen on inviting quirky and eccentric traveling men into my home for indefinite periods of time. I have three kids. Two daughters. One bathroom. No spare bedrooms. No separate, formal living room. No locks on our bedroom doors. No way.
So then what? How does this call to be hospitable intersect with my current circumstances? And what does this have to do with disciplemaking in and through the local church?
The context of the passage is more extensive than my little living room. Yet it also takes place there.
Here’s what I mean.
These strangers in Christ sacrificially traveled to spread the word. They left on mission “for the sake of the Name,” (v7). Called by the Spirit, they left and refused to accept help from the pagans—from unbelievers, the world. Which means they left trusting the Name to meet their needs through the Church. And how does Jesus primarily meet the needs of His body? Through his body.
I may not currently be comfortable with housing strangers within arms reach of my children, but I’m still part of the body. So what does it look like to be hospitable here and now?
Hosting and leading a home group through the local body or out of the overflow of relationships in the community.
Forming a Huddle in order to missionally pour into a handful of men or women for the sake of the Gospel and the Great Commission.
Invite others already in the local church or your growing circle of influence over for a BBQ or small get-together with a few other friends, couples, or families in order to develop a relationship.
These aren’t mind-blowing original ideas on being hospitable, but they are a reminder not to simply read over a passage in Scripture assuming it doesn’t speak to us, but instead observe, examine, interpret, and where possible, apply it to our lives.
Here are a few questions I’ve pondered as this passage continues to settle into my heart. See if something stirs in your own.
Where am I fearful of living a life worthy of the Gospel? Where am I discerning well?
What does hospitality look like on a regular basis in my home and circle of influence?
Am I like Gaius? Am I hospitable to fellow disciplemakers? Fellow believers, familiar and unfamiliar? Am I encouraging to those running the race or am I distant, off-putting, fearful?
How am I using my God-blessed resources to build up the body?
What one thing can I do to affect change in my heart and hands?