“The Jesus Way of Welcome”

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

June 28, 2026

Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

Matthew 10:40-42

Soulinnee Phan grew up in Beatrice, NE. Her parents escaped from Laos in 1980 while her mother was 6 months pregnant. Even though she was born and raised in Beatrice, even though her parents worked long hours, she felt like an outsider. There was very little ethnic diversity, and kids in her elementary school often bullied her and made fun of her looks. A group of high school boys drove by her home and yelled for her family to go back where they came from.

She left Nebraska as soon as she could and went to California. But, surprisingly, she longed to come back to Nebraska. When she did, she moved to Lincoln and began working at the Lincoln’s City Clerk’s office. She’s now the head of her department. She works to encourage diversity among her staff. She volunteers as translator at the Asian Community Center. She helps new immigrants and refugees adjust to life in Nebraska. She desired to create welcome in a state where she felt none.

So, what is welcome? And why should we practice it? If we listen to many current leaders, we shouldn’t. To practice welcome means to invite diversity—to share resources—to listen to other ideas—to broaden our minds and our lives. Welcome means allowing room for someone else. But even more than that, it means allowing others to belong, to have voice and power, to feel they have an equal place at the table. Welcome is dangerous. Welcome is difficult. Welcome is decentering.

Welcome is the Jesus way.

Today’s reading takes place at the tail end of Jesus’ instructions when he sent out the apostles to teach and heal among the people of Israel. Their mission: proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. And as they go, they are to travel light and rely on the hospitality of the people they encounter. They will not always be welcome. When they are not, they are to leave the place, taking their peace with them.

Jesus also warns that they will be persecuted as they continue their mission. Maybe not this trip, but certainly in the future. Because he knew what kind of trouble the Good News would create among the authorities and leaders. But, he says, do not fear them. The truth that is now hidden will soon be revealed. You are more precious than even the sparrows, and God will watch over you. And yet, the Word of God will be like a sword that divides. “Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”

Then we get to today’s reading. “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me. Whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Welcoming the one who brings good news is equivalent to welcoming God. And one might suspect that turning away those who proclaim the kin-dom is equivalent to turning away God.

“Those who welcome a prophet in the name of a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward.” Except, prophets were often rewarded by being persecuted and killed. Meaning, any who welcome those who bring God’s good news is also subject to being guilty by association. Remember, leaders and authorities aren’t particularly partial to the teachings of Jesus.

Those who welcome one in the name of a righteous person will receive the reward of a righteous person. This is the reverse of the last. The ‘righteous’ were the ones feeling threatened by Jesus. So, you can welcome someone in the name of the prophet and risk your safety. You can welcome someone in the name of a righteous person and guarantee your move up the ladder.

OR, you can do the third way. The Jesus way. You can not only welcome but serve the least in the community—anyone who is thirsty—prophet, righteous, or outcast—in the name of a disciple. Serve in the name of Jesus. Serve anyone, no matter their status. That is true welcome. That is how one welcomes Jesus and welcomes the one who sent him. True welcome doesn’t consider whether the reward—or punishment—is worth the action. When someone is in need, a disciple is called to meet that need. That is welcome.

Welcome is the Jesus way.

On September 11, 2001, as the realization of the terrorist attacks on the twin towers and the Pentagon evolved, 4000 flights were diverted and forced to land. The Gander Airport in Newfoundland, a town of 10,000 people, was the landing place for 38 of those planes and 6500 passengers and crew. After more than 5 hours on the tarmac, the people were allowed to disembark. They were known as the “Come From Aways,” a Newfoundland expression referring to people not born there. They were taken to Salvation Army Centers, Churches, Schools, and Community Centers in Gander and neighboring towns. They remained for 5 days in the hospitality of the local people. And in 2015, the musical called “Come From Away,” written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, was produced.

It tells of individual stories of the locals and the people stranded among them. Tensions were high, cultures collided, and still, something beautiful was created—friendships, new understandings, community. They shared pain and joy together. They figured out how to communicate when languages were barriers. Many locals took the visitors into their own homes after the first night. They shared music and food. And they built lasting friendships.

Today, we hear similar stories as various soccer teams and fans descended upon cities across the country for the World Cup. Many of the people from other countries were concerned about their welcome. And for good reason. We’ve heard the stories of referees refused entry and some teams limited in their access.

But as a whole, we’ve heard stories of welcome and support, of friendships and alliances. We’ve heard about the smalling of the world as people get to know each other across national and language divides.

It is in getting to know the Other that boundaries are breached and minds are broadened. Hearts are softened. This is why using hypothetical situations never results in just policies. We need to get to know people—real people. Real stories. Real lives. This happens in the process of welcoming—whether we are the host or the guest.

Welcome is the Jesus Way.

Pastor Tobi White

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church

Lincoln, NE