What an example our Lord gave us with his life.  Everytime we witness Jesus going somewhere in the Gospels, he is using his powers for the good of them who love God.  He did not come to set up an earthly kingdom as the Jews thought and hoped for.  Jesus, himself, said that he came to show us the Father.  Luke in Acts 10 said that he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil.

It would seem at first glance that this type of behavior would be accepted in any communitas of believers, right?  I submit to you that the radical hospitality found in being a servant will ruffle feathers in places you would not suspect.  For example, about 13 years ago I was a singles leader at my church, among other things.  One night towards the end of my time at that particular church we were assembled in the house of one of our members having a good ole time in the Lord, like we had been accustomed to doing.  We prayed for each other, we studied the Word together, we sang, we counseled and then we'd sometimes break bread together.  On this particular night, I was lead by the Holy Spirit to wash everyone's feet.  Most were shocked because foot-washing is talked about in many churches but never practiced.  So I washed each of their feet and prayed for them.  You might think that I received rave reviews from the pastor later in the week after he heard about it.  If so, you would be absolutely and radically wrong!  He thought it was a conspiracy!  He thought I was trying to pull people away from him  by showing them I was more spiritual and humble than he.  His subsequent actions of suspicion proved that to everyone.  I didn't have to say a mumbling word.

Needless to say, I eventually left that church, nevermore to return.  I told this story to show you that when we live for Christ by showing the kind of hospitality he exemplified through his life and life lessons, we will sometimes be treated like we have stirred up a hornets nest.  Not because we have done something wrong but because it runs counter to our 'have it your way' narcissistic culture.  When we show true hospitality, like Jesus taught through the story of the Good Samaritan, it means that we are not expecting anything in return.  What we have become accustomed to in America is returning a favor for a favor and calling it hospitality.  Try doing something for someone who has no way of returning the favor and then you will understand the meaning of today's text.  Radical as it may be, it does something supernatural for the soul.  Selah.