Friday 16 June 2023
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. (vs 2-3)
Background
Like so much of Paul's letter to the Hebrews, this passage is crammed with references to ritual and the sacrificial rules found in the Old Testament. Animal sacrifices and blood offerings intended to obtain forgiveness for sin can be explored throughout the Old Testament book of Leviticus. There is also reference in today's passage to the scapegoat, expelled into the wilderness carrying the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).
Blood was sometimes eaten, sometimes sprinkled and sometimes burnt up when the whole animal was offered in flames to God. Jesus is linked here with these sacrificial victims, although in earlier chapters he has been identified with the high priest – the one who performed the sacrifice. Here is blood offered for us all.
But the suggestion is that we, like the animals to be sacrificed, and like Jesus who was crucified beyond the city walls, also go 'outside'. The writer is not apparently thinking of us drinking the blood (as in the Lord's Supper) but of us sharing in the sufferings of the Cross. This also suggests we share with the unclean, the outsiders and the rejected. And there is a reminder of the transitory nature of this world's communities.
Perhaps this identifying with outsiders also relates to the challenge about hospitality (verse 2). (It's an Old Testament reference to Abraham offering food to God's messengers - Genesis 18.) The importance of generosity is underlined in Hebrews by the rejecting of the food regulations, which both Peter and Paul had reflected on.
Verse 6 refers to Psalm 118:6 and reminds us to put our confidence totally in God. It reflects the writer of the letter's deep concern about being faithful to God and to correct teaching. Only then can we live as we should. Our 'doing good' becomes both our sacrifice and our daily worship.
To Ponder:
- In terms of generous hospitality, who are our strangers? What can we offer them?
- Think about the variety of prisoners in our world. Spend a little time imagining yourself as one of them. How does it feel? You might offer that as your prayer today.
Previously published in 2008.