"Let me in", John 11 & 12, Heinrich Koorts, Thames Valley churches of Christ

“Let me in”

 

Hospitality 

Hospitality is a theme of John 11 & 12.

Their relationship was formed earlier on as described in Luke’s Gospel:

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” (Luke 10:38–39 NIV11)

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” (John 11:5 NIV11)

Jesus felt comfortable in their home. It was somewhere he felt loved.

 

Therefore others saw the love at a time of crisis.

“When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.” (John 11:31 NIV11)

Opening their home seemed to be a focus for them, something they were good at.

 

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. Jesus wept. Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.” (John 11:33, 35, 38 NIV11)

 

Why was he so moved so moved? Because he really knew them.

• How are we doing at being deeply loving?
• How can God be glorified through our hospitality? 

People believe as a result of the hospitality

“Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.” (John 11:45 NIV11)

• What would people see if they came to visit me?
• How would they see God moving in my life?
• What would my relationships tell people about God?

God’s will is done as a result

“Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word.” (John 12:17 NIV11)

Others spread the word when they see God in action.

• What might God be doing in your life right now to bring himself glory?
• What is my personal vision for God this year?
• Do I have a partnership vision for God this year?
• When was the last time you practiced hospitality?
• What might happen if we open our homes?

Don’t need a lot of resources, but a welcoming heart.

 

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Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

 

Do you have a question about the Bible or the Christian faith? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send us your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: tvcochrist@gmail.com.

 

Thanks again for listening. Have a super day.

 

God bless,

 

Malcolm

 

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