What Old Testament examples align with Luke 9:4's teaching on hospitality? Luke 9:4 — The Disciples’ Travel Instructions “Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that area.” Old Testament Mirrors of This Teaching • Genesis 18:1-5 — Abraham hurried to welcome three travelers: “Let a little water be brought, and then you may wash your feet and rest under the tree.” • Genesis 19:1-3 — Lot urged the visiting angels: “Please, my lords, turn aside into your servant’s house… and early tomorrow you may go on your way.” • Genesis 24:29-33 — Laban prepared food and lodging for Abraham’s servant before even hearing the full mission. • Joshua 2:1-4, 12-13 — Rahab hid the spies and secured their safety: her roof became their temporary home. • 1 Kings 17:9-15 — The widow of Zarephath shared her last meal with Elijah; the flour and oil never ran out. • 2 Kings 4:8-10 — The Shunammite woman built a small upper room for Elisha “with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp.” • 1 Samuel 25:14-18, 35 — Abigail supplied David’s men when Nabal refused; God honored her generosity. • Job 31:32 — “No stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler.” • Judges 19:16-21 — An old man in Gibeah took in a Levite and his concubine when no one else would. Hospitality Celebrated in Wisdom Literature • Proverbs 31:20 highlights the exemplary woman who “extends her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” • Isaiah 58:7 presents true fasting as “sharing your bread with the hungry and bringing the homeless poor into your house.” Contrasts: The Cost of Inhospitality • Nabal’s surly refusal (1 Samuel 25:10-11, 37-38) brought swift judgment. • Sodom’s hostility toward strangers (Genesis 19:4-13) led to destruction. • Gibeah’s townsmen (Judges 19:22-30) illustrate how inhospitality spirals into grievous sin. Key Takeaways for Today • God repeatedly provides for His servants through ordinary households that open their doors. • The blessing flows both ways: hosts receive divine favor (Genesis 18:10; 2 Kings 4:17). • Refusing hospitality often signals deeper rebellion against God’s ways. • Like the disciples, believers can trust the Lord to move hearts to welcome them—and should be ready to offer the same welcome to others. |
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