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Reference

Genesis 18:1-8

Sermon Notes

Radical Hospitality

Radical Hospitality

Text: Genesis 18:1–8
Date: February 1, 2026

Main Idea

God’s people practice open tent, Gospel shaped hospitality. We move toward others, honor them, give more than expected, and offer our presence with joy.

Scripture Readings

  • Genesis 18:1–8

  • Luke 14:12–14

  • Hebrews 13:2

  • Matthew 25:35–40

The Open Chair

  • The Gospel has a flavor. It tastes like welcome and smells like bread in the oven.

  • Picture one empty chair at your table as assignment, not absence.

Reflection:
Holy Spirit, who belongs in that seat this week? Whose name are You already whispering to our hearts?

Story 1 — Abraham and the Three Strangers

Genesis 18:1–8

  • Abraham runs to greet the strangers, offers “a little,” then gives lavishly.

  • Sarah bakes using three seahs of flour, about 22 liters or roughly 90–95 cups, nearly 25 pounds, enough for dozens.

  • Abraham adds a choice calf, curds, and milk, and serves personally.

Four Marks of Hospitality

  • Initiative — Move toward the stranger first.

  • Honor — Lower yourself to lift others up.

  • Generosity — Give more than expected.

  • Presence — Serve with your own hands and attention.

Practice:
How can you welcome the stranger? What is your version of the empty chair?

Story 2 — Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath

1 Kings 17:8–16

  • Hospitality in scarcity. Giving first from what seems too small.

  • God sustains what we entrust to Him.

Practice:
What is God leading you to share that you think is too small? What do you grip tightly to that God is asking you to be generous with?

Story 3 — David and Mephibosheth

2 Samuel 9:1–13

  • Hospitality as covenant faithfulness. Seeking, restoring, reseating, sustaining.

  • A permanent place at the table. “Always eat at the king’s table.”

Practice:
Who have I overlooked that I need to see as Jesus? How can I serve them and invite them into my life?

Story 4 — Jesus and Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1–10

  • Jesus crosses barriers and chooses table fellowship with the excluded.

  • Hospitality leads to repentance, restitution, and restored community.

Practice:
Who do I avoid? Who is the Lord asking me to intentionally open my life to that would be a testimony to the outside world as proof of the gospel?

Story 5 — The Early Church Table

Acts 2:42–47

  • Devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer through daily rhythms.

  • Open homes and open hands. “There were no needy persons among them.”

Practice:
What does your table, your life, currently look like? What is one small step you can take to bring God’s idea of hospitality into your life? What could your table look like?

Putting It into Practice

B.L.E.S.S.

  • Begin with Prayer — Ask God who belongs in the empty chair this week.

  • Listen with Care — Make space for stories before solutions.

  • Eat Together — Plan for guests and prepare more than just enough.

  • Serve with Love — Make accommodations so people of all abilities can belong.

  • Share Your Story — Testify to the welcome you have received in Jesus.

The Great Compassion

Matthew 25:35–40

  • Jesus identifies Himself with the hungry, thirsty, stranger, sick, and imprisoned.

  • Radical hospitality is not extra. It is the shape of the Christian life.

Prayer:
Lord, make my life an open table. Who are You sending me to this week?