Traditionally it is thought that when Jesus
of Nazareth walked this earth he did so as a homeless wanderer. ‘…‘Foxes have holes, and birds have of
the air have nests; but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head.’ Jesus
says to the enthusiastic Scribe.
However, there are a couple of places where
it looks as though Jesus set-up his own home. Matthew writes, ‘He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the lake, in the territory of Zebulun and
Naphtali,’ (4.13, NRSV). Later, it
is possible to read the banquet for ‘tax collectors and sinners’ mentioned
after the calling of Matthew/Levi in Matthew 9.10 as hosted by Jesus in his
home. This adds a whole new level
of understanding to Jesus’ social habits and the idea of God as host of the
heavenly banquet at the end of the age.
It seems in the Bible we see Jesus acting
as both guest and host (and servant) as he reaches out to this world. There are times when he receives and
delights in the care and attention from others, and times when by his actions
and teaching he proves himself to be the one through whom all things came into
being, and the one from whom life is freely available. In neither situation does he relinquish
his core purpose or values as the Son of God.
We have then two-sides of hospitality,
which Jesus would wish us to emulate as Church as we
spend time with each other, and engage with our communities. Sometimes we must play guest, other
times we must host and serve. This
is not just about inviting people round for a meal (although that is
important), it is about paying attention to the quality of our interaction;
prioritizing other’s needs and listening to their story. This can present a challenge to our own
agendas and values (as I discovered the other day, when two of Samuel’s school
friends came to the door unannounced and asked to play!) But, as we learn the art of genuine
hospitality, the hospitality that Jesus models, it will be a sign of health in
our churches and a sign of Christ’s Kingdom in our midst.
