Hospitality

22 February 2026

By Pastor John Macindoe - Senior Pastor

Have you had any angels pop over for a meal or cup of tea lately? No… me either. But how can you be so sure? The book of Hebrews may give us cause to rethink. It says, ‘Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2).

We often think of hospitality in terms of dinner parties with friends, or afternoon teas on the back porch. In the Bible, however, hospitality is often a much more demanding activity. It often involves taking risks like entertaining strangers, housing the needy, or even hosting an angel unawares.

One day at the house of a prominent Pharisee, Jesus gave a lesson in hospitality. He said, ‘When you give a dinner or luncheon, don’t invite your friends, relatives, and rich neighbours. Instead invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous’ (Luke 14:12-14).

Jesus’ standards are very different to ours. His Father spared no cost to invite us to his heavenly banquet even though we are spiritually blind, lame and helpless. He calls us to respond to those in need in the same way.

It’s that time of year again. Students, setting themselves up for years of study in Sydney, are paying us a visit for the first time. Let’s be hospitable. Let’s be characterised by warm-hearted generosity, not only to those whom we know well, but also to the needy strangers or enquiring students who might happen to cross our path.

Guess who’s coming to dinner? You never know, it could be an angel… or a student.