In a number of civilizations, hospitality was...

In a number of civilizations, hospitality was viewed as a pillar on which all morality rested; it encompassed “the good.” For the people of ancient Israel, understanding themselves as strangers and sojourners, with responsibility to care for vulnerable strangers in their midst, was part of what it meant to be the people of God.” Jesus, who was dependent on the hospitality of others during most of his earthly sojourn, also served as the gracious host in his words and in his actions.