Be not forgetful to entertain strangers
William MacDonald teaches that Christians are called to practice hospitality with the awareness that in serving strangers, they may be entertaining angels and even Christ Himself.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the biblical call to hospitality, emphasizing its spiritual significance and blessings. Using the example of Abraham entertaining angels and the Lord Himself, MacDonald encourages believers to view hospitality as a sacred duty and a privilege. He highlights how welcoming strangers can lead to unexpected blessings and deepen one’s relationship with Christ. This teaching inspires Christians to open their homes and hearts with generosity and joy.
Text
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb. 13:2)
Hospitality is not only a sacred duty (Be not forgetful to entertain strangers); it carries within it the promise of glorious surprises (for thereby some have entertained angels unawares).
It had started out as just another ordinary day for Abraham. Suddenly three men appeared before him as he sat by the door of his tent. The patriarch reacted in the typical middle-eastern manner—he washed their feet, arranged a cool resting place for them under a tree, went out to the herd for a calf, asked Sarah to bake some bread, then served them a sumptuous meal.
Who were these men anyway? Two of them were angels; the third was the angel of the Lord. We believe that the angel of the Lord was the Lord Jesus appearing as a Man (see Genesis 18:13 where the angel is called “the Lord”).
So Abraham entertained not only angels, he entertained the Lord Himself in one of His many preincarnate appearances. And we may have the same privilege, startling as it may seem!
How many Christian families can testify to the blessing received from entertaining godly men and women in their homes. Impressions for God have been made on children that followed them all through their lives. Zeal for the Lord has been rekindled, sorrowing hearts have been comforted, problems have been resolved. How much we owe to these “angels” whose very presence was a benediction in the home!
But it is also our incomparable privilege to have the Lord Jesus as a guest. Whenever we receive one of His people in His Name, it is the same as if we received Him (Mt. 10:40). If we really believe this, we will spend and be spent in the wonderful ministry of hospitality as never before. We will “use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Pet. 4:9). We will treat every guest the same as we would treat Christ Himself. And our homes will be like the home of Mary and Martha in Bethany—where Jesus loved to be.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The biblical command to not forget hospitality
- The promise of entertaining angels unawares
- The example of Abraham’s hospitality
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II
- Identifying the visitors as angels and the Lord Himself
- The significance of the Lord’s preincarnate appearance
- The privilege of entertaining the Lord through His people
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III
- Testimonies of blessings from hospitality
- The spiritual impact on families and children
- The ministry of hospitality as a service to Christ
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IV
- Practical exhortation to use hospitality without grudging
- Treating guests as Christ Himself
- Making homes welcoming places like Mary and Martha’s
Key Quotes
“Hospitality is not only a sacred duty; it carries within it the promise of glorious surprises.” — William MacDonald
“Whenever we receive one of His people in His Name, it is the same as if we received Him.” — William MacDonald
“If we really believe this, we will spend and be spent in the wonderful ministry of hospitality as never before.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Practice hospitality regularly, seeing it as a service to Christ Himself.
- Welcome strangers with kindness, expecting God to work through these encounters.
- Make your home a place where guests feel honored and loved, reflecting the example of Mary and Martha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to entertain strangers in a Christian context?
It means showing hospitality to those we do not know, with kindness and generosity, as a sacred duty and spiritual privilege.
Why does the sermon mention angels in relation to hospitality?
Because the Bible teaches that by entertaining strangers, some have unknowingly entertained angels, highlighting the sacredness of hospitality.
How is Christ connected to the practice of hospitality?
Christ said that receiving His people is like receiving Him, so hospitality is a way to serve and honor Jesus Himself.
What example does Abraham provide for Christians today?
Abraham’s generous and respectful hospitality to three visitors, including the Lord, serves as a model for welcoming and serving guests.
How can hospitality impact a Christian family?
Hospitality can bless families by inspiring faith, comforting sorrow, resolving problems, and leaving lasting spiritual impressions on children.