When the End Feels Near, Set the Dinner Table

As Christians, we are living in what the Bible calls the last days. The end of time is near; Jesus’ return is only getting closer each day. He told us his return will be like a thief in the night. 

We must be ready, and we must be working, awaiting our master’s return. And billions of people have yet to even hear the good news of the Savior. The work to be done is massive, and the time is running out. How then should we be living?

You should have people over for dinner. 

This isn’t my idea, it’s actually Peter’s: “The end of all things is at hand … show hospitality to one another” (1 Peter 4:7–9). Peter states that “the end of all things is at hand,” and lists out a few things Christians ought to do in light of that, and then concludes by showing hospitality to people. 

HOSPITALITY IS CENTRAL TO THE CHRISTIAN IDENTITY

Consider how Paul tells Christians to “welcome” those weak in faith because Christ has “welcomed” us (Romans 14:1; 15:7). Paul shows that one of the major areas in which we can welcome others is in eating and drinking (Rom 14:3–23). 

Or think about the fact that we remember our Lord’s saving death for us by sharing a meal, the Lord’s Supper, together. Christian hospitality can include a warm meal, but it can also include lodging, particularly for traveling missionaries (3 John 8).

HOSPITALITY SHOULD EXTEND TO UNBELIEVERS AROUND US

It’s well documented today that we live in the loneliest generation in modern history. We were made for relationships, but many today live very alone lives. The warmth you enjoy through the friendships and hospitality of your local church is alien to so many people today. 

Showing hospitality to unbelievers opens a great door for the gospel. While many people won’t enter the door of a church, they may enter your door to share a meal. And bringing unbelievers into the community of Christians creates opportunities for them to experience the presence of God (1 Corinthians 14:25).

Also consider the nations in your neighborhood.

While billions have never heard the gospel, and while many people groups and nations have few or no believers, many of these very people are now your neighbors, your co-workers, or your fellow students. 

You don’t need to go to the nations to reach the nations. Simply show hospitality.

HOSPITALITY DOESN’T HAVE TO BE HARD

You may wonder, “What if my home is small?” You can likely fit at least one more person in there! Or, “What if I’m not a good cook?” You can order food or play a board game! 

One of my pastors used to say, “All you need to show hospitality is a cup of water and a couch—and many nations don’t even sit on couches, so just throw cushions on the floor!” 

Hospitality isn’t ultimately about what material things you share—the size of your home or the taste of the meal—it’s about the message that you get to share: the good news of Jesus.

What will you share when they are with you? As one of my friends says, “Simply gossip about Jesus.” What he means is this: naturally—and it should be natural if we love Jesus—drop Jesus into your conversations. 

Share what you’re doing at church this week.

Share what you’re learning in the Bible. 

Share how you pray to Jesus. 

Share how Jesus has saved you and turned your life around. 

Share his wondrous deeds in your life. 

And most importantly, pray that God will give boldness and openness for you to share the hope of the gospel.

TAKING THE NEXT STEP

In the next few weeks, is there one unbeliever in your life you could reach out to? Could you begin having an unbeliever over once a month? 

Who do you regularly see at the grocery store, at work, in your neighborhood, at your park, at a local restaurant, or at school that you could invite? 

This isn’t starting a formal “hospitality” ministry; this is just doing life, eating food, sharing your home with those around you. 

Jesus was mocked by the Pharisees for eating with and being a “friend of sinners.” Will you join in imitating him?

This article first appeared in The Commission, Radical’s biweekly newsletter featuring global gospel stories and encouragement from David Platt and others to help you follow Jesus and make him known. Subscribe today.