Lent is a season of reflection and renewal—a 40-day period in the liturgical calendar, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, when Lutherans focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. Throughout his time on earth, Jesus embodied humble service, showing us what it means to love through action. In this seven-week series (from the first Monday in Lent to Easter Monday), we will explore the ways Jesus served others and how we are called to follow his example. Together, we will reflect on his acts of compassion, humility and sacrifice.
Jesus often served those on the margins, welcoming the outcast, healing the sick and feeding the hungry. His love knew no boundaries. This week, we consider how we can extend service beyond our inner circles, embracing the stranger with love and kindness.
Scripture
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).
Pastoral perspective with Drew Tucker
Hospitality is something that we want to receive, but we often fall short in offering it to others. That’s because we often give others the hospitality that we would want though not everyone has the same needs or preferences. Sometimes hospitality requires that we change our expectations to accommodate others, even if those shifts make us uncomfortable. Rather than doing for others what we want for ourselves, hospitality is doing for others what is right for them. That is a high calling that begins with getting to know others better so we can better understand their needs. Yet that’s exactly the kind of hospitality that God shows to us in Jesus Christ and calls us, as Christians, to emulate.
Small act of service
Perform one small, intentional act of kindness today—pay for a stranger’s coffee, leave a generous tip for a service worker or introduce yourself to someone who is visiting your church.
Closing prayer
God of welcome, thank you for welcoming us and giving us the grace we need. Help us to reflect that grace toward others. Inspire us to take the risk of hospitality so that we might welcome others with the same level of generosity you offer us. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
