In the next chapter, Matthew 9, Jesus created space to welcome and connect with people considered outsiders. Matthew, a newly called disciple of Jesus, joyfully opened his home to his fellow tax-collector and sinner friends (see verses 9–13). It was a wonderful idea. Matthew wanted to get his friends to connect with Jesus. What I love about this story is that Matthew and Jesus were offering hospitality in that moment. Matthew opened his home; Jesus opened his heart. In order to practice hospitality as mission, it requires us to do the same.
