Error
Group Discussion
Questions for facilitating dynamic discussion
The Table
November 12,2023
Week 3: The Elephant in the (Dining) Room
Jeff Griffin
Luke 19:1-10
Jesus often dined with new friends, sparking conversations and transformations that echoedthrough eternity. Let’s learn from Jesus how we can be intentional in reaching our family andfriends to help people find new life with God.
Kicking It Off: If you were hosting a dinner party this week, who would be three famous guests you would want at your dinner table?
1. Read Luke 19:2. What did we learn was significant about Zacchaeus being a chief tax
collector?
“A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.” (NIV)
2. Think about a grown man climbing into a nearby tree just to see Jesus, as shown in Luke 19:3-4. What are your thoughts about him reaching a point where he just didn’t care what people thought of him? What lengths have you gone to, merely to see Jesus in person?
“He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” (NIV)
3. Jeff mentioned some possible scenarios for Zacchaeus dealing with his shortcomings. How can our deep-seeded insecurities sometimes work in our favor? How can they work against us?
4. Read this quote, below. What are some ways that we try to stuff our lives with cravings, experiences, and things, on a quest to fill the void in our lives? What kind of “mirages” have you looked to in the past?
“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each [human] which cannot be satisfied byany created thing, but only by God the Creator, made known through Jesus Christ.” — Blaise Pascal
5. When you reflect on our PEARL strategy to Pray. Eat. Ask. Reveal. and Love. … what gets you particularly excited about sharing your faith in Jesus? Which area most drives you to pray?
Wrapping It Up: Who would be three PEARL-specific family or friends you would want to invite to know Jesus? Pray for God to open opportunities and that your group members continue to be like Jesus, as a “friend to sinners” everywhere, inviting others to let Jesus join you at the table.