Genesis 18:1-8. 1And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate. 9They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.”
According to Jewish tradition, Abraham and Sarah were famous for their hospitality. They had a nice big tent that opened up on all four sides. It was known as the hachnasat orchim (tent of hospitality or tent for welcoming strangers). Mr. and Mrs. Abraham would invite all wayfarers into their home for needed rest, sustenance, and spiritual instruction.
Genesis 18 tells us what is possibly the greatest hospitality tale in all of scripture, following only God’s hospitality of us in Christ. Abraham has just undergone a major surgery (ch. 17), it’s extremely hot outside, and, oh right, he’s 99 years old! Yet, according to the text, Abraham is still sitting in the door of his tent looking for visitors. And there they are! Three of them. Abe is so excited that he runs out to them, like the Prodigal Dad, and begs them to stay with him (anything less would be bad form in this culture).
What happens next is a model for us in family hospitality. Abraham and Sarah working together in a flurry of activity, to take care of their guests, making sure that they are honored by their extravagant kindness.
Hebrews 13 tells us that when we take care of strangers, we may be taking care of angels unaware. But what about taking care of Yahweh, God? That’s who Abraham is welcoming into his tent. The Lord himself.
Genesis 18:10. The Lord said…
When Genesis 18:1 says that the Lord appeared to Abraham at the oaks of Mamre, this is not in a dream or vision. This is God in the flesh at Abraham’s doorstep. The scripture makes it clear that the Lord (Yahweh) speaks to Abraham, several times. Later in the chapter, Abraham is said to “stand before the Lord.” The question isn’t, is one of these men God? The question is what is the nature of this God? What kind of God comes to us and has lunch?
Some have made the case that these three men are the three members of the God-head: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The problem is that this would mean that the Father and Spirit took on flesh and appeared in physical form, something that has never happened anywhere else in scripture, and that the scripture even says can’t happen – “No one has seen God (the Father) at any time,” John 1:18.
But the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, appearing in physical form, well that happens all over the scriptures. Jesus will comfort Hagar, wrestle with Jacob, burn in a bush, appear to Samson’s parents, and command the Lord’s armies. Each an appearance of Christ before the manger. Each also pointing to the cross.
This incredible visit of God to Abraham and Sarah is a foretaste of the even more incredible incarnation. This act of abiding grace on God’s part is a little glimpse of what’s to come. Jesus visiting us, eating with us, comforting us, and ultimately saving us. What is truly amazing in this story is to hear Jesus promise Sarah that she will have a miracle child, a son of promise. Without this special baby there will be no baby Jesus. Jesus is proclaiming the plan of God that would bring about his own birth.
And his own death.
The hospitality that Christ received from Abraham and Sarah is not unlike the hospitality that he will offer on that Passover night, Good Friday. His feet are washed. He will wash feet. A meal is shared with him. He will share a meal with his disciples. Refuge is given to him. He will give refuge to all who trust in him through his life.
Literally, what Abraham and Sarah are doing for this stranger, they are doing for Jesus. They are doing for him what he will do for all mankind one day. They are doing for him what we should be doing for others – welcoming others into our tent, providing grace and kindness, honor and peace, food and fellowship.
Abraham pleads with the travelers not to pass by. May we, knowing that Christ has not passed us by, but has taken up residence in our hearts, demonstrate that same love and acceptance to others. Who knows, maybe that person you welcome into your home will be an angel unaware. For sure when you welcome in the least you have welcomed in Jesus.
Christian, you are in Christ. Now, will you let “Christ” into your home?
You: How are you at hospitality? Do you welcome others into your home?
You in Christ: In what way is your union with Christ a welcoming of Christ into your “heart house?” In what way has he welcomed you into his home?
Christ in you: How might you show the hospitality of Christ to this week?
Prayer: Father, you sent your son to visit us without passing by. Help us not to pass by others in need. Who knows one might be your messenger sent to us to offer grace and kindness through the grace and kindness we show. Amen.
To Live is Christ 