How does the host's kindness in Judges 19:21 reflect Christ's love for us? Kindness Shown: Judges 19:21 “So he brought him to his house and fed the donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.” Welcoming the Stranger — Christ’s Open Door • The old man invited total strangers into safety; Christ says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved” (John 10:9). • Just as the Levite was rescued from a hostile street, we are rescued from sin’s danger when we accept Jesus’ invitation (Matthew 11:28). • The host did not hesitate; neither does Christ, who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Providing for Needs — Bread, Shelter, Rest • Fresh fodder, food, and a roof mirror Jesus, the Bread of Life, who satisfies every need (John 6:35; Philippians 4:19). • Psalm 23:1–2 paints the same picture of restful provision: “The LORD is my shepherd… He makes me lie down in green pastures.” • In Christ we find true refuge (Psalm 46:1), echoing the Levite’s sudden relief under that roof. Washing Feet — Cleansing Love • Judges 19:21 notes, “they washed their feet.” Centuries later, Jesus “began to wash the disciples’ feet” (John 13:5). • Foot-washing signals cleansing from daily defilement; Christ purifies hearts completely (1 John 1:9). • The host offered water; Jesus offers living water that becomes “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Protection Amid Darkness — Christ Our Shield • Gibeah’s streets were unsafe; the home became a fortress. Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). • He promises, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5), guarding us even when “darkness covers the earth” (Isaiah 60:2). • Romans 5:8 underscores the depth of that protective love: Christ died “while we were still sinners.” Call to Imitate — Our Hospitality Today • Scripture links true faith with open doors: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). • Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that by welcoming strangers “some have entertained angels without knowing it.” • Following Christ’s model, we extend tangible care, aiming that others taste “the kindness of the Lord” (1 Peter 2:3). |
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