Hospitality as Noticing

Matthew 25:21-40

“In my own little world it hardly ever rains. I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe. I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet. In my own little world, population…Me.”

If I don’t look around too much and take care of my own responsibilities, I’m safe and content.

“I try to stay awake through the Sunday morning church. I throw a $20 in the plate but I never give ‘til it hurts. And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see. It’s easy to do when it’s population…. Me.”

When I follow through with my obligations and shelter myself from tragedy I’m comfortable.

Singer and song writer Matthew West’s words hit home don’t they!? Even after hearing the lyrics to this song, we continue to protect ourselves and our families from the evils and tragedies of this world. If we don’t notice, maybe they won’t affect us. If we look the other way perhaps it will stop. Well, it won’t!

The primary theme in the book of Matthew is THE KINGDOM OF GOD. In this section, Matthew tells of the day the Son of Man comes in Glory with all the angels, and separates the people as shepherds separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep on His right will inherit the kingdom prepared for them for they fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed those in need, invited in strangers, looked after the sick and visited the lonely and imprisoned.

NIV Matthew 25:40; The king will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The parable of the talents is also included in today’s reading reminding us that we are entrusted by God with “talents” to use for the good of the Kingdom. For some, earning a good living and using funds to assist others is their gift. For others it may be management of projects and outreach. For still others it’s using their hands and feet to make a difference. Whatever it is for you and me, we must first look around an NOTICE the need.

Try to recall the feeling of being ignored. Perhaps as a child your thoughts or opinions were not considered. Often in a new environment or job we feel out of place when no one seems to notice us or make us feel comfortable. Now attempt to picture yourself among the thousands of individuals fleeing from your unsafe country. You are just part of the hungry, thirsty, frightened crowd that few acknowledge. Maybe they just don’t notice.

Matthew 25 ends with verse 45-46, a statement from the Lord; “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

What do you notice?

Read/Listen to Matthew 25:21-40

Watch/Listen to “My Own Little World” by Matthew West