Welcoming Guests Like Abraham
Month 2: The God Who Keeps Promises · Loving Others
Today's Scripture
Read together: Genesis 18:1-8 & Hebrews 13:2
1 Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. 2 And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” 7 Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate. — Genesis 18:1-8
2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. — Hebrews 13:2
Memory Verse
“Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.””— Genesis 18:14 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Exodus 39–40
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 43 of 365 — the tabernacle is finished and God's glory fills it.)The Heart of It
On the very same day that Abraham heard the promise of a son, three strangers appeared near his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham didn't wait or hesitate. He ran to meet them. He bowed low and begged them to stay. He hurried Sarah to bake fresh bread. He picked out a good calf. He brought milk and butter. Then he stood by while they ate (). This was a lavish, eager, generous welcome to people he didn't even know. And it turned out that one of those guests was the LORD Himself, bringing the very promise Abraham had waited decades to hear.
The Bible points back to this story and tells us: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it" (). God loves a welcoming home. We can open our door, our table, and our hearts to others. We can especially welcome those who feel left out or alone. When we do, we love people the way God loves us. He welcomed us when we were strangers to Him. So our family can practice hospitality. We make room. We share food. We treat guests like they matter, because they do. You never know how God might use a simple, warm welcome to bless someone. He might even use it to bless you.
Around the Table
Abraham was so happy to have visitors that he made them a big, yummy meal! We can welcome people too.
Let's do it: Practice a warm welcome. Open the door, smile big, and say, "Come in! We're so glad you're here!"
Abraham ran to serve his guests. Welcoming people is one way we love others the way God does.
Let's talk: Who is someone we could invite over or include this week?
Abraham's hospitality is meant for us too. When we welcome others, especially the outsiders, we reflect God's own heart.
Let's go deeper: Is there someone at school or church who often gets left out? How could you welcome them this week?
💬 Conversation Starter
If you could invite anyone in the whole world to dinner at our house, who would it be? And what would we cook?
🛡️ Defending the Faith
The Genesis account is full of small, real-life details. The heat of the day. The running. The bread, the butter, the calf. Invented stories rarely bother with such ordinary specifics. But eyewitness history does. These details mark Genesis as a true record, not a myth.
For Dad · Go Deeper
Hospitality is a discipleship tool hiding in plain sight. Your children see your home thrown open. Guests are welcomed. The lonely are included. The table is stretched to fit one more. And they learn the gospel in their bones: God makes room for sinners and strangers. The barriers are usually inside us, not outside us. We tell ourselves the house isn't clean enough, the budget is too tight, the week is too full. But Abraham didn't wait for a perfect moment. He ran in the heat of the day. Leading a family in hospitality will cost you margin and comfort. That cost is precisely the point. It preaches self-giving love louder than any lecture. Pick one family or one lonely person, and open your door this month.
Draws on: Tony Evans, Kingdom Family Devotional.
Let's Pray Together
"Father, thank You for welcoming us when we were strangers to You. Make our home a warm and open place. Help us notice people who feel left out. Help us love them the way You love us. In Jesus' name, amen."
God welcomed me when I was a stranger. So I can throw my door wide for others.