Sanctuary

In your own words, what does it mean to “repent”? What is the difference between “changing your mind (your way of thinking)” versus “changing your behavior”? 

In your own words, what is “the Gospel”? Read Ephesians 2:1-10. Read Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, and 10:9. Read John 3:16. Have you confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord? Do you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead? Take a few minutes to talk to God about the Gospel. If you are willing, affirm (or re-affirm) to Him what you believe in your heart. 

Read Luke 15:11-17. Where do you find yourself in this story? e.g., do you resonate with the younger brother, the older brother, the father, or somewhere in between? Explain.

Why do you think the father lets the younger son leave in the beginning of the story? Why do you think the father ran towards his younger son “while he was still a far way off” and before he even knew what he was going to say? 

“The father went out and pleaded with him (the older son)”. I love how the father also pursues the older son. In your own words, what message do you think Jesus is “pleading” to the Pharisees and teachers of the Law?  

Read Luke 14:1-24.

The parable of the great banquet is a reminder of how good food and feasts are woven throughout the Bible. What is an especially memorable meal you have shared with others? Why do you think sharing meals with others is so good for us?

The banquet guests initially have accepted the invitation, but when the banquet is ready they make excuses. What do you find yourself making excuses for in life? What about in your relationship with God? Why?

Three excuses are given: Land to see, oxen to test, and a wife to be with. These excuses comprise the essential commitments of life: property, occupation, and family. While all good, how do these commitments threaten to come between you and God’s invitation to follow him?

When he is rejected, the host sends out the invitation to anyone in the streets and ultimately the countryside. What does this reveal to us about the heart of our God? What is the motivation for the host sending the invitations out?

What comes to mind when you read that the servants are told to “compel people to come in” (Luke 14:23)? Culturally it was an expression of compulsory benevolence (Gen 33:10–11), not something harsh. How does God desire for you to “compel” others to come to his banquet? Is your life a compelling reason for others to want to join you at God’s banquet?

Jesus concludes this parable with a strong warning in verse 24: “For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste my banquet.” What is your reaction to these words of Jesus?

Jesus came preaching an upside-down kingdom from what people were expecting, and this parable could be summarized by saying: “The expected are absent and the unexpected are present.” What is encouraging and/or challenging to you about this summary of the parable?

Jesus spoke strongly and clearly about the judgement for those who do not accept his invitation, but his invitation was extended to all people. How does the reminder of God’s judgement result in a deeper appreciation for God’s salvation?

In this parable, we see grace extended through a free invitation and judgement avoided through simple acceptance. How does this encourage and challenge you today?

Pray that God would give you a growing hunger for him and eager anticipation of the banquet that is to come.  May our excuses fade away in light of the incredible joy of following Jesus!

Read Luke 13:18-21.

As we study the parables of Jesus, we continue to be reminded of the power of stories. What is a story that has been especially impactful for you in your life?

Jesus addresses a question that people were asking about him. What is a question that has been on your mind that you would want Jesus to address for you?

When you hear the term, “Kingdom of God,” what comes to mind?

“Kingdom” language is referenced over 125 times in the gospels and was central to the ministry of Jesus. Why was this so important for Jesus?

The Jewish people were looking for a Messiah to bring about a revolution, but Jesus showed up and compared his kingdom to a mustard seed.  Why do you think Jesus used this picture of his kingdom?

The kingdom that Jesus proclaimed was smaller than people thought and different than the crowds expected, but exactly what they needed. How is this still true for us today?

The second picture Jesus gives connects the kingdom of God to leaven in bread dough. What does this picture tell us about God’s kingdom? How does it encourage you today?

Take a look at Luke 13 and see how these two parables are located in the center. Luke is pointing to current events and current power structures that contrasted with the kingdom that Jesus came proclaiming. What current events/issues in your life threaten to marginalize the importance of God’s kingdom?

The kingdom of God is based on seemingly small things.  How does the enemy also leverage small things to undermine what Jesus came to do?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. As a member of God’s kingdom, how has God invited you to participate in what Jesus came to do?

How will your life look different this week as you live with an awareness of the reality of God’s kingdom?

Pray that God would open your eyes to see the presence of the kingdom of God in your life.

What common social values do I need to reverse to be in line with God’s Kingdom?

How am I participating in God’s Kingdom on earth as in Heaven?

Freedom from possessions allows for radical generosity. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

How can you be actively grateful? 

As you reflect on your life and your self-talk, are you striving for more and more? Or are you expressing gratitude for God’s blessings? 

Write down 3 things you are grateful for.