Hospitality in the Bible: A Guide to Sharing Food and Fellowship

Hospitality is a theme that runs throughout the Bible. From the Old Testament to the New, we see examples of people opening their homes and sharing meals with others. These acts of hospitality provided physical nourishment and helped create strong bonds of community and friendship.

In this article, I will explore some of the beautiful examples of hospitality in the Bible and what they can teach us about the importance of sharing food and fellowship.

Abraham and Sarah’s Hospitality in the Bible

One of the Bible’s most well-known examples of hospitality comes from the story of Abraham and Sarah. In Genesis 18, three visitors come to Abraham’s tent. Without hesitation, Abraham invites them in and offers them food and water. He and Sarah prepare a meal for their guests and eat together.

Genesis 18:6-8 “And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man, and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, milk, and the calf he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they ate.”

This act of hospitality is significant for several reasons. First, it shows the importance of welcoming and treating strangers with kindness. Second, it demonstrates the value of sharing food and fellowship with others. Finally, it reveals the blessings of extending hospitality to others. As the story goes, the visitors turned out to be angels who brought a message of hope and promise to Abraham and Sarah.

Ruth and Naomi’s Hospitality in the Bible

Another beautiful example of hospitality in the Bible comes from the small book of Ruth, which is squished between Judges and Samuel. After the death of her husband, Ruth chooses to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and accompany her back to Bethlehem. Even though they are both widows and have little means, they work together to provide for one another.

One of the ways they do this is through gleaning, which involves picking up the leftover grain in fields after the harvest. Ruth goes out to glean in the fields, and Boaz, the owner, shows her kindness and generosity. He invites her to eat with his workers and even instructs them to leave extra grain for her to take home to Naomi.

Ruth 2:15-16-When she rose to glean, Boaz instructed his young men, saying, “Let her glean, even among the sheaves, and do not blame her. And also pull out some of the bundles for her to glean, and do not rebuke her.”

This act of hospitality and “paying it forward” provided physical sustenance and helped create a sense of belonging and community for Ruth and Naomi. It also set the stage for the eventual redemption of their family line.

Jesus’ Hospitality in the Bible

Jesus is perhaps the ultimate example of hospitality in the Bible. Throughout his ministry, he is constantly sharing meals with others, both his disciples and those considered outcasts by society. He uses food to break down barriers and create a sense of unity among all people.

One of the most well-known examples of Jesus’ hospitality comes from the story of the feeding of the 5,000. All four gospels tell the story of a large crowd gathering to hear Jesus speak and his concern with feeding the group that had followed him, so he miraculously multiplies five loaves of barley bread and two fish to feed them all. This act of hospitality provided physical nourishment and revealed Jesus’ compassion and care for all people, regardless of their social status or background. After the people had their fill, enough food was left over to fill 12 baskets to be used again.

The Importance of Hospitality Today

So, what can we learn from these examples of hospitality in the Bible? First and foremost, we can see the value of welcoming strangers and treating them with kindness. Extending hospitality to others can help break down barriers and create a sense of unity in a world that often feels divided and polarized.

Second, we can see the importance of sharing food and fellowship. Eating together is a powerful way to build relationships and create community. It allows us to connect with others deeper and share in each other’s joys and struggles.

The Benefits of Being Hospitable

Finally, we can see the blessings of extending hospitality to others. Whether it’s the promise of a new family line, the healing of a broken community, or the multiplication of food to feed the masses, hospitality can bring about transformation and change.

In conclusion, hospitality is a theme throughout the Bible and is just as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. By welcoming strangers, sharing food and fellowship, and extending kindness and generosity to others, we can help create a more just, compassionate, and connected world.