Come Sit Beside Me
Behind this episode is the concern of how our faith in God makes a difference in our lives. And, in particular, when it comes to hospitality and welcoming others. Take for instance, where Jesus says to his disciples "Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me” (Matthew 10:40). John’s message is inspired by something Diana Butler Bass recently wrote: “Hospitality is not just welcoming or being nice; it is sharing who we are and at the same time opening ourselves for others to share themselves with us. Every heart and table is to be open. It might just be our greatest witness and activism – nothing less than the extravagant welcome of God.”  Nate Strasser provides a great simple hymn of hospitality, “I’m Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table.” The episode opens with Nate and John bantering on our tendency to overcomplicate life and even the teachings about Jesus on hospitality.