Missional Heart (Week 4—Social Restoration)
In our series, Missional Heart: The Restorative Nature of the Gospel, we will dive into the four pillars that make up the heartbeat of our mission to make Jesus famous by becoming more like Him.
1. Can you think of a party or a gathering in which you, or one of the guests seemed out of place? What was that experience like?
Read Luke 5:27-30.
2. Why are the Pharisees concerned that Jesus is eating with the tax collectors?
3. The Pharisees believe that Jesus sharing a meal with the tax collectors is a affirmation of their behavior and status. What might be a modern day equivalent that would cause Christians to ask “why are you spending time with that person?”
Read Luke 5:31-32.
4. In the Pharisees’ eyes, what is the primary difference between themselves and the tax collectors?
5. In Jesus’ eyes, what is the difference between the tax collectors and the Pharisees?
6. Does the church tend to see sin like Jesus or like the Pharisees? Give some examples.
Read Luke 14:15-24.
7. Discuss the characters of this story:
Who is the master and what is this feast?
Who is the servant and what is their task?
Who are the ones who decline, and how can you relate to their excuses?
Who are those that accept, and why were they invited?
8. Wrap up by talking about your perceptions of those our culture often casts aside. How can you begin to shift the way you see others to look more like the wedding feast in heaven?
