“Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” (John 13:20)

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of receiving and accepting those who are sent by Him. He makes it clear that to accept someone He sends is to accept Him, and to accept Him is to accept the Father who sent Him. This is a powerful statement about the unity and interconnectedness of the Trinity, and about the importance of hospitality and welcome to those who are sent by God.

Jesus’ words also remind us that as His followers, we are called to be ambassadors and representatives of Him in the world. When we receive and accept others, especially those who are marginalized or oppressed, we are in fact receiving and accepting Christ Himself. This is a challenging and counter-cultural message, especially in a world that often values exclusivity and division. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to be a people of radical hospitality and welcome.

So let us take Jesus’ words to heart, dear friends. Let us strive to be a community that is characterized by hospitality, welcome, and acceptance. Let us receive and accept others, not just as a social nicety, but as a spiritual discipline that reflects our commitment to Jesus and His kingdom. May we be a people who embody the radical welcome and acceptance of God, and may we bring glory to Him in all that we do.