The sermon text for our first worship service this past week was Luke 14:7-24. The sermon’s title was “Invitation to the Gospel Feast” and the three points were: 1) joyful feast, 2) lame excuses, and 3) the surprising guests.

Here are some questions to discuss at the dinner table and/or for personal reflection and prayer.

1) Jesus’ invitation to follow him as a disciple is an invitation to a party or a wedding feast. Yet it is often brushed off and not taken seriously. What excuses might be holding you back from a deeper, more abundant walk with Jesus?

2) For many religious people in Jesus’ day, there was a category of people who wouldn’t “fit” or were unacceptable in the kingdom of God. Who are the marginalized and the oucast, “the poor, crippled, blind and lame” (see Luke 14:13, 21) in your life? How is God calling you/us to show hospitality and concern for them?

3) Avoiding flimsy excuses requires a renewed encounter with the beauty and glory of Jesus. Spend time reflecting on your deepest longings and desires in life. Be very honest. How does the gospel of Jesus Christ promise to fulfill those desires?

Also, I wanted to share this beautiful poem by George Herbert. It gets at the heart of our gracious and generous Host, our Heavenly Father who invites us into his presence, day by day, week after week … by grace alone.