Sunday 31 August 2025

Psalm 112

Background
Chapters 10-19 of Luke’s Gospel see Jesus and his disciples in the midst of controversy and opposition on the way to Jerusalem, in various towns and villages, as they exercise their mission and ministry. Jesus’ teaching gets increasingly more challenging and pointed. It's aimed at condemning the ‘status quo’ (both political and religious received wisdom), pointing out the hypocrisy (especially in the leaders), and announcing instead the way of God’s Kingdom. Although many follow him, disgruntled opponents jab at him from all quarters (Pharisees, Sadducees, synagogue leaders…) but are unwilling to make a decisive move, until they finally conspire against him in Holy Week. Our passage takes place in this context: as Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem.

Jesus, observing the behaviour of guests at a dinner party, gives an uncomfortable teaching about honour and humility.  The message is: don’t seek the places of honour – aim lower!  It’s better to be publicly promoted than humiliated. (You can imagine the embarrassed looks on some of the guests' faces, and the wry smiles of his disciples.)

Then, Jesus turns to the host, and comments on the guest list. How easy it is to invite only people ‘like us’ – friends of a similar social status. The challenge of the Kingdom of God is to think wider – invite those who can’t repay you and make the banquet a true cause for celebration (and you will get your reward from God later).

In the same chapter, Jesus goes on to tell a parable about a banquet where the ones who are eventually invited (after others make excuses) are the least expected. (Luke 14:15-24).

Good hospitality is a benchmark of many traditional communities around the world; it is a part of everyday life. When I visit the house of some Muslim friends, regardless of their scarce financial means, they never neglect hospitality – and I would be rude to refuse it. They put human honour and friendship above their own needs. Showing honour to guests was certainly important to the Jews of Jesus’ day. 

To add to the general culture of hospitality, the Bible gives us commandments about hospitality and kindness to strangers as well as to kin (eg Leviticus 19:33-34), and heroes of the Jewish faith such as Abraham and Sarah are exemplars of this (Genesis 18:1-18). Certain New Testament writers followed Jesus’ teaching by emphasising the importance of showing hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2, Romans 12:13).

To Ponder:

• Can you remember a time when you were embarrassed because you sat in a seat that was meant for someone else?  Or have you ever been ‘promoted’ to a place of greater honour?
• Some social gatherings are easy-going and comfortable, while others are more hard work but worthwhile because they are so appreciated by the guests. What kind of hospitality does your church specialise in?
• Have you ever invited 'unexpected’ people to a party or to Christmas lunch? What was their response and how good was the party?

Bible notes author: The Revd Andrew Murphy
Andrew is a Methodist presbyter in the East Mercia Circuit, and currently the minister of the churches of Market Harborough, Kibworth and Rothwell, and part of the ministry team at St Giles, Desborough. He is married to Emily, with two children, aged nine and eleven. He has been in the ministry for 17 years, previously serving in the Hinckley Circuit. He trained at the Wesley Study Centre in Durham, is a published hymn writer, supports Newcastle United FC, and is proud of his roots in Consett, County Durham.