Inside-Out Hospitality

Host: Hello hosties, we are happy to have you here today as we welcome to our Hospitality Heroes series a very important guest. Honestly, I think she should have come up much sooner. She is celebrated more for her trust and faith in God…oh, and of course for being the mother of Jesus! Yes, you heard that right—we have Mary, the mother of Jesus, with us today. And if she is here, it’s because we want to look at her story through the lens of hospitality. And believe me, she is loaded! Mary, welcome.

Mary: It’s my pleasure to be here.

Host: Super. Let’s dive right in. You are one of the most celebrated women in the Bible. What a privilege to have been chosen to host Jesus, the Son of God. Hmmm, I imagine if a high personality gives me his son to host for just a day!Tell us about that experience.

Mary: It sure was unexpected! A wonderful privilege—but unexpected. My life was all planned out. I was about to marry Joseph, the finest carpenter in town…(helloooooo) then suddenly this? Who would even believe my story? I wondered if I could meet the expectations. What could I possibly offer the Son of God in my humble home? But at the end of the day, after all my fears, I decided to trust God and said: “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).

Mary continues: Hospitality is first about the heart. Many times we get offended by unplanned visits or interruptions, but some of those interruptions carry blessings. We miss them if we close our doors.

Host: Wow. On just the first question, it’s already raining wisdom here! What I’m getting is: make room for unexpected visits, don’t obsess over impressing people, and be sensitive to God’s leading.

But Mary… I can’t help it. I must ask. How could you and Joseph lose Jesus at the temple?!

Mary: (hiding face in mock shame) Hahaha, I knew this story would come up someday! In my defense, He was already 12 years old, considered grown in our culture. And with that crowd traveling home, we assumed He was with relatives. The panic when we realized He wasn’t with us…oh my! And then finding Him calmly in the temple—teaching! Honestly, embarrassment (relief and tinsy bit of anger) doesn’t begin to describe it (Luke 2:41–50).

Host: (laughs) I find even that story a hospitality lesson. We may not always get it right when it comes to hosting or parenting, but we can retrace our steps and try again. Hospitality doesn’t mean perfection.

Now, let’s talk about your cousin Elizabeth. You traveled while pregnant and stayed with her three months. This time you were the guest. How was that?

Mary: It was beautiful. We encouraged one another, shared joy, and I helped around her house. She was older and further along, so she needed the support. In hospitality, sometimes you’re the host, sometimes you’re the guest. Many people think they must have “everything together” before helping others, but truthfully we’re always going through something. That should not stop us from reaching out. There’s a lot of mutual edification when we serve one another (Luke 1:39–56).

Host: So true. That reminds me of the Shunammite woman—despite her own lack, she opened her home to the prophet and experienced abundance (1 Kings 17:8–16). I should invite her soon (winks to the readers).

Now Mary, let’s touch briefly on Bethlehem. You gave birth to Jesus in a stable. It wasn’t ideal, but you created a welcoming space with love. Then came shepherds—strangers fresh from the fields (Luke 2:8–20)—and later wealthy Magi (Matthew 2:1–12). Yet you welcomed them all. That must have been something.

Mary: Yes, it was humbling. It taught me that hospitality is not about perfect conditions. It’s about receiving those God sends your way, whether poor shepherds or rich travelers.

Host: I love that. And through your daily motherhood—cooking, teaching, raising Jesus—you practiced hospitality in unseen ways. Those ordinary acts created the environment where Christ grew strong (Luke 2:52).

But let’s go to my favorite moment—the wedding at Cana. It wasn’t even your wedding! Yet you noticed the wine had finished. Most of us would have sat back, complained, or gossiped. But you did something.

Mary: I noticed, yes. Hospitality starts with noticing. Then I took the need to Jesus. And finally, I pointed the servants to Him: “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). I didn’t solve the problem myself; I simply connected people to Christ for in Him, there is everything!

As guests, we can be quick to criticize. The bed isn’t comfortable, the food wasn’t enough… But if we choose empathy, we’ll appreciate the effort. Imagine the stress of planning a wedding! Instead of grumbling, why not lend a hand? If you see a shortage, ask how you can help. If you notice a family eats only once a day—not by choice—buy groceries and bless them. That’s true hospitality. As the Bible rightly puts it…

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

Host: That’s such a fresh perspective. Hospitality is not entitlement—it’s presence, empathy, and pointing people to Jesus. You truly lived it, Mary. Thanks again for coming.

Closing Note from the Host

Mary shows us that hospitality is more than meals and tidy homes. It’s opening ourselves to God’s will, encouraging others, welcoming the unexpected, embracing imperfection, and meeting needs with compassion.

Like Mary, may we carry hearts that make room—for God, for people, and for the blessings hidden in interruptions.

Did you miss the other Hospitality Heroe’s in our series? Find them here

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Until next time, keep hosting from the Inside-out!