How does Lot's hospitality connect with Hebrews 13:2 about entertaining strangers? Lot’s Hospitality in Genesis 19:1-3 “Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening… When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed facedown. He said, ‘My lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house to wash your feet and spend the night; then you can rise early and go on your way.’ But they replied, ‘No, we will spend the night in the square.’ Yet Lot insisted so strongly that they turned aside into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.” (Genesis 19:1-3) Hebrews 13:2—The New-Testament Call “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) Key Connections Between the Two Passages – Unknown Guests: Lot met “men” in the city gate; Hebrews highlights that hosts may be unaware of heavenly visitors. – Active Invitation: Lot initiated the offer—he “insisted.” Hebrews urges believers not to “neglect” hospitality, implying intentional action. – Personal Cost: Lot risked reputation and safety. Hebrews frames hospitality as a sacrificial ministry. – Divine Encounter: Lot’s guests reveal their angelic identity only after being welcomed. Hebrews states this hidden reality as motivation for hospitality. Why Lot’s Example Matters – Illustrates Hebrews 13:2 in real history; God preserved the record to show that the command is attainable. – Demonstrates that ordinary settings (a city gate, an evening meal) can become the stage for supernatural visitation. – Shows that righteous living in a corrupt culture is expressed through practical love for the outsider. (Compare 2 Peter 2:7-8.) Practical Take-Aways for Today • Initiate, don’t wait—look for strangers who need a meal, a ride, or a room. • Treat every guest as though God Himself might be near. (See Matthew 25:35.) • Hospitality protects as well as provides; Lot shielded his guests from harm. • Expect no earthly reward; the blessing may be unseen until eternity. Additional Scriptural Reinforcements – Genesis 18:1-8—Abraham’s welcome of three visitors, another example of “entertaining angels.” – Romans 12:13—“Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – 1 Peter 4:9—“Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” – Luke 14:13-14—Jesus urges inviting “the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,” promising heavenly reward. Lot’s simple yet determined welcome turns out to be a living illustration of the timeless call in Hebrews 13:2, urging every believer to open home and heart to strangers—and, in so doing, to honor the Lord who might be nearer than we think. |
    |