Hidden Motives
Genesis 24:28–33 (NASB95)
28Then the girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. 29Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban; and Laban ran outside to the man at the spring. 30When he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he went to the man; and behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring. 31And he said, “Come in, blessed of the Lord! Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?” 32So the man entered the house. Then Laban unloaded the camels, and he gave straw and feed to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. 33But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.” And he said, “Speak on.”
Rebekah ran home to her mother’s household with news of her encounter at the well. The text highlights the matriarchal influence in her family, possibly pointing to her grandmother Milcah. This detail shows the ongoing importance of the matriarchal line in Abraham’s extended family. Laban, Rebekah’s brother, quickly entered the story. He saw the gifts given to Rebekah and responded with excitement. His welcome to Abraham’s servant was warm, but the text makes clear that his motives were shaped by the sight of wealth. Laban’s materialism stands in contrast to Rebekah’s earlier act of genuine kindness at the well. The story draws a sharp line between hospitality that flows from love and hospitality that seeks personal gain.
Laban’s actions foreshadow his later dealings with Jacob. He offers hospitality, but his heart is set on what he might receive. The servant, however, keeps his priorities clear. He refuses to eat until he has explained his mission. He puts God’s purpose above his own comfort. The servant’s focus on his task shows what it means to serve faithfully. He wants the family to understand the truth of his mission and the providence that brought him to their home.
The news of Abraham’s family after fifty years away brings excitement and mystery. The family is rediscovering a long-lost connection. God’s promises to Abraham are still at work, even after decades of separation. The story reminds us that God’s faithfulness spans generations and that family ties matter in His plan.
The church today faces the same challenge as Laban and Rebekah. We must ask whether our hospitality and service come from genuine love or from a desire for personal benefit. True Christian hospitality welcomes others because of God’s love, not because of what we might gain. Like Abraham’s servant, we should put God’s mission first, even when it means delaying our own comfort. When we serve with pure motives and clear priorities, God uses our actions to accomplish His purposes. Let us be a people who welcome others with sincere hearts and who keep God’s will and plan in all we do.