How does Judges 19:18 connect with Jesus' teachings on loving strangers? Judges 19:18—A Snapshot “He replied, ‘We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the hill country of Ephraim, where I live. I have been to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD, and no one has taken me into his house.’ ” (Judges 19:18) What’s Going On Here? • A Levite, his concubine, and a servant are journeying at night. • In ancient Israel, taking in travelers was a basic covenant duty (cf. Genesis 18:1-8). • The statement “no one has taken me into his house” exposes a spiritual fracture: God’s people are ignoring the command to love the stranger (Leviticus 19:34). Jesus on Loving Strangers • Matthew 25:35—“I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.” • Luke 10:33-37—The Good Samaritan embodies neighbor-love to an unknown victim. • Matthew 22:39—“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” • John 13:34—“Love one another, just as I have loved you.” Connecting the Dots • Judges 19:18 shows the breakdown of hospitality; Jesus calls for its restoration and expansion. • In Judges, God’s covenant community fails; in the Gospels, Jesus makes hospitality a hallmark of authentic faith. • Lack of welcome in Judges leads to horrific sin (Judges 19:22-30); Jesus warns that refusing strangers invites judgment (Matthew 25:41-46). • The Levite’s plea, “no one has taken me,” contrasts sharply with Jesus’ promise that whoever receives the least of His brothers receives Him (Matthew 25:40). • The Good Samaritan crosses ethnic and social lines—exactly what Israel neglected when the Levite passed through Benjamin. Why This Matters for Us • Scripture’s accuracy shows that indifference breeds devastation; loving strangers brings life. • Jesus fulfills and intensifies God’s long-standing command to welcome outsiders. • Our homes and churches become living testimonies when we do what Gibeah refused to do—open the door. • Obedience is practical: share a meal, offer a ride, practice attentive listening. • As we meet strangers with Christlike mercy, we not only avoid Gibeah’s shame—we display the gospel’s power. |
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