The Parable of the Great Banquet

READ: Luke 14:15-24

DISCUSS: What excuses do people make today for not accepting God's invitation? / In the parable, what were the three excuses given to the hose of the banquet, and why were these excuses such an insult? What excuses do people use to put off Christ's invitation today? What excuses do Christians use to justify not spending time with Christ? / Who was invited to the banquet instead, and who will never taste the banquet?

PRAY: Pray for those who have not accepted Christ's invitation of salvation. Pray that the Lord would equip you with courage and wisdom to share the Good News with the "unexpected."

PRACTICE: Pray and Confess - Consider the status symbols you've been tempted to pursue to "get ahead" apart from Christ. / Story - Write down how you were invited to the Lord's banquet and why you said yes to His invitation. / Share - Commit to share your story with someone this week.

DIVE DEEPER: Read Matthew 21:43, Matthew 22:8, Matthew 23:38-39, John 3:36, John 8:24, Acts 13:46, and Hebrews 12:25-26. / What do these verses teach us about Christ's invitation of grace?

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