I have been studying with my Bible class the books of the New Testament and what the writers were concerned about in each book. We are concentrating on learning the books of the Bible in order and something about each one.
The children have been interested in learning something about the writers of the books as well as what is contained in each. I have also tried to call attention to certain individuals in some of the less familiar books. We have also noticed to whom the books are written, and the children picked up very quickly how Paul starts his books.
The book of Third John is one of those books that was unfamiliar to them. We talked about the love these writers had for the churches and individuals to whom they addressed the books, but there were also some that did not receive warm wishes but rather a reprimand.
In Third John, John joyfully acknowledges that “his children” are walking in the truth. There had evidently been some fellow Christians that had visited this church, and they returned with a report of how these people were faithful Christians. They also must have told John about a man named Diotrephes. Sadly, this man did not welcome these visitors. John describes Diotrephes as a man “who likes to put himself first,” and he did not recognize authority.
He did not welcome these visitors. He did not accept their authority; in what way, we do not know. Diotrephes not only did not welcome them, but he caused enough trouble in the congregation that others rejected them too. John says that when he comes, he will bring up what happened and address the “talking wicked nonsense against us.”
John then cautions them not to imitate Diotrephes but to only imitate that which is good and from God.
How sad it was for this church to be hindered by one man that would not show hospitality. Not only was he not welcoming, but he influenced others not to be. He did this because he wanted to be first, more important, the center of attention.
John goes on to praise Demetrius for receiving only good reports. He was the man to be imitated, not because of importance but because he was concerned about others.
Though the situation would be different in some respects, we have a need for hospitality in our own congregations. Visiting preachers, missionaries, visiting families, or a bus load of young people on a trip could choose to worship with us. Do we welcome them or ignore them?
We should not isolate our visitors by speaking and fellowshipping only with our friends and family. Many visitors have been turned off by a lack of welcoming from the local church family.
May we not become known as an unwelcoming group of people. May we always show hospitality to everyone. May we welcome them as brothers and sisters in Christ or as potential brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sandra Oliver