Johannine (Ambivalent) Hospitality: Explorations for Today

Abstract

The essay explores the concept of hospitality in the Gospel of John and its relevance in today’s context, particularly in relation to strangers, migrants, and the poor. John’s perspective on hospitality is ambivalent in that it places restrictions on whom to extend benevolence and welcome into the community, based on belief. At the same time, the author of John presents a subtle reversal of roles between host and guest, with Jesus embracing both roles: a guest in need of hospitality and a host who welcomes all. Ambivalent hospitality arises in the narrative when conditions are established providing lodging, meals, and assistance based on one’s beliefs, understandings, or identity. The essay calls for leaders today to engage in deeper consideration of justice and human rights that promote hospitality for all without ambivalence.