Topical Bible: Entertainments: Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor

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In the teachings of the Bible, the act of extending invitations to entertainments, particularly to the poor, is emphasized as a reflection of Christian love and humility. This principle is rooted in the broader biblical theme of caring for the marginalized and demonstrating God's love through acts of kindness and generosity.

One of the most direct teachings on this subject is found in the Gospel of Luke. Jesus, during a meal at the house of a prominent Pharisee, offers a parable that underscores the importance of inviting those who cannot repay the favor. In Luke 14:12-14 , Jesus instructs, "When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors. Otherwise, they may invite you in return, and you will be repaid. But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

This passage highlights several key aspects of Christian hospitality. First, it challenges the conventional social norms of reciprocity, where invitations are often extended with the expectation of receiving something in return. Instead, Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of selfless giving, where the focus is on serving those who are unable to reciprocate.

Furthermore, the act of inviting the poor and marginalized is presented as a means of storing up treasures in heaven. The promise of being "repaid at the resurrection of the righteous" serves as a reminder that God values and rewards acts of compassion and mercy that reflect His own character.

The Old Testament also provides a foundation for this teaching. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse reinforces the idea that God sees and honors the care extended to the less fortunate, viewing it as a direct service to Him.

In addition to these specific teachings, the broader biblical narrative consistently calls for justice and mercy towards the poor. The Law of Moses includes numerous provisions for the care of the needy, such as leaving gleanings in the fields for the poor to gather (Leviticus 19:9-10) and the command to open one's hand to the poor and needy in the land (Deuteronomy 15:11).

The early Christian church also exemplified this principle. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers as having "all things in common" and selling their possessions to distribute to anyone as they had need. This communal sharing and care for the poor became a hallmark of the early Christian community, reflecting the teachings of Jesus.

In summary, the biblical call to invite the poor to entertainments is a profound expression of Christian love and humility. It challenges believers to transcend societal norms and to embody the selfless love of Christ, who came to serve and uplift the lowly. Through such acts of hospitality, Christians are invited to participate in God's redemptive work and to reflect His kingdom values in their daily lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:29
And the Levite, (because he has no part nor inheritance with you,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:13
But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Gospel Supper
... disciples, to comply with the like invitations, and converse ... as to be kept thereby
from spiritual entertainments. ... sinner, but rather that he should believe and ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment
... and assistances, those bonds and invitations, those constrainings ... verifications of
faith, and the entertainments of hope ... He desired that we should ask, and yet ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/jeremy taylor christs advent.htm

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... The social atmosphere, the entertainments, the athletic record ... help a member when
he should be released ... some distance away, he sent invitations to department ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/reclaiming a church to meet.htm

The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem.
... luxuriously furnished houses, and at those sumptuous entertainments! ... ceremony which
insisted on repeated invitations to the ... men inferior in rank should not be ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the personal history.htm