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Sermon Title: “Hospitality and the Heart of Jesus”

Text: Luke 19:1-10

Preacher: Randy Dyck

Date: February 2, 2025

Summary Tagline:

“Sharing a meal can open the door for transformation.”

Message Summary:

In Luke 19:1-10, Jesus encounters Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society, and invites himself into his home. This moment of hospitality leads to Zacchaeus’ radical transformation. Randy unpacks the cultural and spiritual significance of hospitality in both the Old and New Testaments, showing how meals were central to expressing honor, reconciliation, and belonging.

Jesus consistently used meals to build relationships, restore dignity, and reveal God’s kingdom. Randy highlights how hospitality is not just an act of kindness but a reflection of God’s love. He challenges the church to embrace the simple but powerful practice of inviting others into their homes, sharing meals, and building deeper connections. The message concludes with a call to reclaim hospitality as a means of blessing others and pointing them to Jesus.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Questions:

  1. What’s a meal you’ve shared that was especially meaningful to you? What made it special?
  2. Have you ever been unexpectedly welcomed or invited into someone’s home? How did that experience impact you?
  3. If you could invite anyone (past or present) to dinner, who would it be and why?

“These next discussion questions are intended to give us each a chance to engage in the message personally and hear what Jesus is doing in each of our lives too. In this, we all become preachers to one another as we learn to follow Jesus together.”

Discussion Questions:

  1. In Luke 19:1-10, Jesus invites himself into Zacchaeus’ home. Why do you think this moment of hospitality led to such a dramatic transformation in Zacchaeus’ life?
  2. Randy emphasized the significance of meals in biblical culture. How does understanding the historical role of hospitality change the way you see Jesus’ ministry?
  3. Sharing a meal can be a way of breaking down barriers and building relationships. What holds you back from practicing hospitality, and how can you overcome those obstacles?
  4. The sermon pointed out that meals in the Bible often signified peace, reconciliation, and protection. How can hospitality be a tool for sharing God’s love with those who feel isolated or unseen?
  5. 1 Peter 4:9 says, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” What are some simple ways you can practice hospitality in your own life this week?

For Further Study:

  1. Luke 19:1-10 – Jesus and Zacchaeus: Hospitality leading to transformation.
  2. Acts 2:46-47 – The early church breaking bread together and growing in faith.
  3. Romans 12:13 – “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
  4. 1 Peter 4:9 – “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
  5. Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
  6. Matthew 9:10-13 – Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners.
  7. John 21:9-14 – Jesus sharing a meal with his disciples after the resurrection.
  8. Genesis 18:1-8 – Abraham showing hospitality to three strangers.
  9. Isaiah 58:7 – “Share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house.”
  10. Revelation 19:9 – The wedding feast of the Lamb as the ultimate act of hospitality.

Gospel Connections

Let’s discuss how we can apply this message to our lives as we seek to make the following connections as we follow Jesus:

  1. How does Jesus’ example of hospitality challenge you to open your life and home to others?
  2. How can our church cultivate a culture of hospitality that reflects the love of Christ to our community?
  3. How can our group encourage and support one another in making hospitality a regular practice?
  4. How can we reflect Jesus’ invitation at the table in a way that welcomes the lonely, the outsider, and those seeking belonging?
Adults
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