Jesus overturns reciprocal hospitality — inviting those who will invite you back — and commands welcoming those who cannot repay: the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. Generosity that expects no return is the kind God Himself repays “at the resurrection of the just.”
Luke 14:13 KJV“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:”
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Jesus commands that you include the people from whom you can expect nothing in return — not the ones who will reciprocate, but those who cannot. This calls for active, deliberate inclusion of the marginalized in your circle of hospitality. Think about the last time you showed significant hospitality: who did you invite? Were they people like you, people who could give back — or were they people who needed to be included and had nothing to offer you?
Identify someone marginalized in your immediate vicinity — someone isolated, overlooked, unable to repay. Invite them to share a meal you are already preparing. Extend genuine welcome without expecting reciprocation or future benefit. You know who they are. Name them right now, then act. Include the one who cannot include you back.
When you welcome those who cannot repay, you reflect the Father's own heart. His love seeks out and embraces the overlooked, valuing each person above social standing or personal gain. Your obedience reveals His character — the God who invites the poor, the lame, the blind into His own feast.
This is one of 69 direct commands of Jesus in the free Red Letter Challenge: All Commands of Jesus — The Living Sword
Read every Scripture in your chosen translation (WEB, KJV, Geneva, YLT, and more) at https://www.thelivingsword.org/red-letter-challenge/invite-the-poor