In October 2007, two roommates in San Francisco couldn’t afford their rent, so they put air mattresses in their apartment and invited strangers to stay the night. That is how the story of Airbnb began. This story opens a sermon on hospitality and on Abraham, who in the heat of the day noticed three travelers in front of his tent (Gen 18). The Polish saying “a guest in the house, God in the house” is not just a nice phrase from a kitchen plaque: an open door can become a place through which God enters with something greater than we are able to plan. Listen if you want to find out whether there is still room in your life for another person.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What does Abraham do after he notices the three travelers, and what does this story tell you about hospitality?
- Why do you think the author points out that Abraham was sitting at the entrance of the tent in the heat of the day?
- How do you understand Henri Nouwen's words that hospitality is above all creating space for another person?
- What most often makes you close the door: lack of time, a need for quiet, or maybe fear of what is unfamiliar?
- When was the last time you welcomed someone, and that meeting changed more than you expected?
- Who from your church, neighborhood, or family can you notice this week, go out to meet, and make room for?
