Text Study for Sunday, June 29, 2025

Series Theme: You Welcomed Me

Reading: Leviticus 19:15-18, 33-34

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

What’s an important rule in your life?

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence.

As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-by” encourage them to return soon.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts. Amen.

CONTEXT

As people of faith, we are called to practice hospitality not as a mere act of kindness, but as a sacred expression of our beliefs. Hospitality is a faith practice that reflects the heart of God. When we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and create space for others at our tables, we do so as if we are serving Jesus himself.

In extending hospitality, we embody the love, grace, and radical welcome of Christ. It is not optional or occasional—it is a core part of our discipleship. Through hospitality, we bear witness to a God who receives all with open arms and calls us to do the same. Join us on this journey with our sermon series, You Welcomed Me, will explore this need to welcome, care for, walk with, include, and show kindness.

From Dr Kathryn Schifferdecker at EntertheBible.org:

Leviticus offers a vision of the holiness of the LORD, a God who seeks to dwell in the midst of God’s people. Leviticus also issues a call to holy living for those who are in covenant with this God. While the shape this holy living takes for Christians will differ significantly from the life envisioned by Leviticus, the call to “be holy” is still one that should be heard today. Leviticus offers a vision of how that holiness might be lived out in relationship with God, with one’s neighbor, and with the larger community.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Have you met any strangers this week? Where? What did you learn?
Open to Leviticus 19:1-2. What are the first two verbs used?
What is the “Torah?” Why is it important? Google if you need help.
Who is Leviticus 19 addressed to? Hint: there are two audiences.
Leviticus focuses more on rituals and laws rather than beliefs. What is a ritual of faith that speaks to you?
This book encourages us to avoid sin. How is that not possible?
What is the command of 19:2? What does it mean to be holy?
19:9-10 are key verses. What is the command?
Who is being cared for by the above command?
How might we practice this command today if we do not have a field?
What do you make of 19:33-34?
Why does God care about hospitality?
When have you experienced hospitality?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Who, in your life, needs an invitation to a meal this week?

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | June 29, 2025