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Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
The Table
October 29,2023
Week 1: Concern For Those Far From God
Jeff Griffin
Luke 7:36-50
Jesus often dined with new friends, sparking transformations that echoed through eternity. This week, pull up a chair at our new series, “The Table,” where we serve up stories from four life changing dinner parties in the Bible. Join us as we learn from Jesus how we can help people find new life with God.
If you’re entertaining friends or family, what’s your favorite dish to share with guests? What’s a favorite meal that has been shared with you in the past?
1. Read Luke 7:38. Discuss some of the reasons why the sinful woman might have crashed Simon the Pharisee’s dinner party. Why do you think she poured out so many tears in Jesus’ presence? What leads you to tears in the presence of God and His people?
“As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (NIV)
2. What’s your takeaway about forgiveness from the parable Jesus shared in Luke 7:41-43? What makes you personally value God’s forgiveness?
“‘Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?’ Simon replied, ‘I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.’ ‘You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.” (Luke 7:42-43, NLT)
3. How did Simon and the Pharisees’ belief to stay far from “sinners” compare to Jesus’ intention to move toward people who are far from God? What does Luke 5:31-32 show us about that?
“Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’” (NIV)
4. Read Matthew 28:19-20. What does God want His people to do? What keeps you from pursuing this path?
“ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)
5. How does Grant’s story in his high school inspire you to reach those around you in your sphere of influence? Where do you sense God might be calling you to build relationships and community?
Grant’s story of grabbing two friends went from a small weekly Bible study to a public high school event with more than 150 people. How can you take the simplicity of grabbing two other people and building on that in the weeks ahead? Pray that our small group can help encourage one another in our desire to reach our neighbors.