Luke 14:15-24
As The Village Church gets ready to move from one gathering to two, we’re taking a couple of weeks to let Jesus set the tone and posture of our hearts before the big change.
This first week, we’re taking a look at the invitational nature of Jesus and the gospel. It not only confronts that notion that Jesus’ guest list is narrow, but it also confronts our tendency to see the things of this world as more important than a seat of Jesus’ table.
Questions
Our focal passage begins with someone at Jesus’ table recognizing how big of a deal it is to break bread in the kingdom of God. Why does he say this? Read verses 7-14 to find out.
In contrast, Jesus then lists a bunch of things that others choose over attending a banquet with the King (that they’ve already RSVP’d to, no less!). What are some of those things?
What’s the banquet a metaphor for? What does it represent for us, and what does it look like to “show up” for it today?
What are some of the things that folks today choose over attending that banquet? Are they the same as what Jesus lists? …different?
What might make someone go from saying, “Blessed is the one who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!”, to saying, “I’m actually busy that day?”
The unsung heroes of this passage might be the servant of the master. As we consider what it looks like to boldly invite people into life with Jesus and The Village Church, what can we learn from that servant?
Take note of…
…what they did out of obedience.
…what they did before the king even asked.
…what they had to have already believed about the king, the room he had, what he could provide, etc. in order to invite even more folks on his behalf.
…what they had to say and do in order to get folks to attend.Which of those things above are the toughest for you to believe or embody as a servant of the King?
What kind of people did the king want at his banquet? How much did he want them to be there? How do we know?
If the church was made up of the very kinds of people this king invited to his banquet, what would it look like? Would it be any different?
In light of all that, we get to grow in…
…loving our seat at God’s table above all! How can you remember the depths of God’s desire for you and the lengths he went to “compel you” to join him in his kingdom?
Are there earthly loves or wants that you’re letting distract you or draw you away from what he’s given you?
…inviting folks to join us at the table! What’s your version of going into the streets, alleys, hedges, etc. to urge people to join you and Jesus?
…believing God’s not finished, has more room, and has all the means! How does the gospel meet your doubts, fears, and excuses when it comes to withholding invitations? How is it a matter of belief vs. unbelief in your own heart?