Greeting Others with Your Welcome

When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, for they also had been there.

John 4:45

Imagine living during the same time Jesus was here on earth. Imagine hearing all the news about this mysterious miracle maker—news which would have traveled by word of mouth from village to village. Would you travel to catch a glimpse of this man or listen to His teaching? Would you take a sick loved one to beg for His healing?

In Galilee, Jesus’ reputation preceded Him. People had heard what Jesus had done in Jerusalem during the Passover; now here He was, entering their region. He walked the streets of their communities and talked to men and women, young and old. And the Galileans welcomed Him.

Their welcome communicated so much. They were ready and willing to get to know this man. They were receptive to hearing and learning from Him. They wanted Him to spend time with them in their community.

Their warm welcome made all the difference. In Galilee, Jesus called many of His disciples. He performed many miracles, including His first public miracle of turning water into wine. And as Matthew 4:23 details, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” Later, the resurrected Jesus promised to see His followers in Galilee, where he gave the Great Commission, not Jerusalem (Matt. 28:10, 16–20). Because of their gracious welcome, Galileans were able to reap the benefits of having the Son of God perform much of His earthly ministry right in their midst.

Although the Galileans wouldn’t have had any clue about the impact that Jesus would create in their midst or even who He truly was, all of His teaching and healing in their community began with their welcome.

What might happen in your life when you welcome others? Even though Jesus won’t walk the streets of your community, you never know what long-term blessings might come as a result of welcoming people. You might not fully understand or realize who you’re welcoming at the time, if ever. What might seem like a quick, last-minute invitation could make an unexpectedly lasting difference in your life or the life of your guest. And the conversations that you share around your table might blossom into decisions that hold an eternal impact.

The Lord works in mysterious yet mighty ways. You may never be absolutely sure what His good and perfect plan is, but you can still step out in faith, love, and obedience and create a meaningful welcome to people you know well and others you’re just getting to know. You can host others and trust the Lord to work through your hospitality. Simply obey by making the invitation and opening your home. Follow through with a prayerful and intentional gathering. Then watch the ways God will surprise you through the way you welcome others.

Father God, thank You for including examples of hospitality and welcome in Your Word. Sometimes I need to hear how people could and should welcome You, as well as other visitors. Like the Galileans, I want to welcome Jesus into my midst. To reflect my respect for Him, I want to invite and welcome His followers as well. Use me as Your representative here in my corner of the world. Help me welcome people in Your name. Please show me who needs my hospitality. Please stretch my resources, whether it’s time or finances or space, so that I can gladly welcome others into my home. Thank You for the opportunity to welcome others in Your name. Amen.

Think It Over

• In what ways have you watched the Lord work in your life through the way people have welcomed you into their lives, their circles of friends, and their homes?
• Who is one surprising person in your life? In what ways has he or she surprised you by saying or doing something? How has this person blossomed into someone so much more than you ever expected?
• How have you welcomed the Lord into your life?
• Who would you like to welcome into your home?
• How much do you include prayer in your hospitality efforts? Do you pray about who you should or shouldn’t invite to your home? Do you pray over the conversations before your guests arrive?

Put It into Practice

• Before you make any invitations, pray over people you’d like to welcome to your home. Get into the practice of praying first, then inviting.
• Just as the Galileans welcomed Jesus near the beginning of His ministry, it’s time for you to welcome someone in ministry, too. Who will you invite to your home?

Home Work

What do guests see when they walk in your front door? Some homes are graced with large entryways and foyers that give guests room to take off their coats and stay a while. Other front doors open right into the middle of all the action. Take a moment to consider what your guests see. Try walking through your front door with fresh eyes and think of ways to improve the experience for your guests. Make changes if possible. And if you’re dealing with constraints in time, money, or space, don’t sweat it. Your hospitality speaks much louder than the impression your guests experience when they walk through your door.