The Great Feast

Lenten Life Group discussion questions:

Week V:

Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Note: Keller defines prodigal as recklessly extravagant.

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the Scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

Then Jesus told them this parable…

There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

 ‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes; you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’

I.                    As you reread this story again for the fifth time in your group, have discover anything new in this familiar text? How is God “prodigal” in this parable?

II.                  The father throws a feast to celebrate the return of the younger son, but this feast is also a celebration of the wholeness in the family. What are some of the way you see the feast of the father?

III.               The “Feasting” theme is throughout scripture:

Exodus 24: God dining with the 70 elders of Israel in exodus when they came out of Egypt.

Earlier in Genesis 18, Abraham gets a divine visitation and a meal is served….

Jesus throughout the gospels eats with all kinds of people…

John’s gospel the 21st chapter, after the resurrection Jesus is seen preparing breakfast.

(Matthew 8) many will come from the east and the west, and will take their place at the feast of Abraham.

Then this marque text in Isaiah 25:6-9: (A vision for the future…the world to come…. A homecoming of sort)

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-matured wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-matured wines strained clear.  And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death for ever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited;  let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Revelation 19:9: And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage feast of the Lamb.’

How do these texts speak to you about God and the future?

IV.                Keller likens the feast to the free gift of salvation, and that the feast or salvation is: Experiential, Personal and Communal: In what ways we do you experience God’s free gift of salvation? In what ways do you live out God’s salvation in your personal life? In what ways do you live out God’s salvation communally?

V.                  Just as the father of the two lost sons extended invitations of welcome to them, so does God. How we you experience God’s invitation in your life and family? How do you experience it at Living Word?

VI.                As we come to the close of this series: what worked for you? What did not work and we can we improve your life group experience in the future?

God bless!

Life Group Questions for March 10, 2013

March 8, 2013

1.  What comes to mind when you think of the word "lost"? How do you think people would feel if they knew we called them that?

2. "You can rebel against God and be alienated from him either by breaking his rules, or by keeping all of them diligently." Explain this statement in your own words, using examples if possible.

3.  Do you agree or disagree that being an elder brother is a more spiritually desperate condition than being a younger brother? Why?

4.  J.R.R. Tolkien famously wrote, "Not all who wander are lost." While that's true - this story reminds us that the inverse of that is also true - "Not all those who are lost necessarily wander." What does that statement mean to you? Why do you agree or disagree with that sentiment?

5.  If your motivation to do good is to earn good things from God, how does that affect the goodness of your action?

6.  How could the attitude of the elder brother make it harder for the younger brother to come home? How can you prevent this from happening in your own life? How can we prevent it from happening at Living Word?

7. Do you tend to behave more like the younger brother, or more like an elder brother? Were there times in your past when you behaved more like one than the other?

Life Group Questions for March 3, 2013

March 1, 2013

1.  If you were to ask the stranger on the street about the meaning of "sin", what do you think they would say?  Does Jesus challenge contemporary views of sin in this parable?

2.  If you had the time to read the chapter entitled, "Redefining Sin", or if you heard the sermon on Sunday, did you read or hear anything that raised questions in your mind?  Anthing that challenged you?

3.  The younger brother believes he is no longer worthy to be called his father's son.  What does that tell us about his view of what it takes to be loved and accepted?  Is it prevalant today?

4.  The older brother believes he's never done anything wrong - he's been the dutiful son.  What does that tell us about his viewe of what it takes to be loved and accepted?  Is that prevalant today?

5.  If God's grace is absolutely free and we can do nothing to earn or merit it, what is the motivation to live an obedient life? 

6.  Do you perceive the church today to be a "hospital for sinners" or a "hotel for the righteous?  How do you see Living Word and why?

7.  If you have time and your group is comfortable with one another and you have an element of trust, you might want to discuss this question:  How has this parable played out in your family of origin or how does it play out in your family today?

Life Group Questions for February 24

The Prodigal God Week 2

1. What surprises you most and least about this story reading it for the second time?
2. What part of the story resonates with you and why?
3. Consider the audience to whom Jesus told this parable. What does that tell us about the traditional name of the parable?
4. How have you seen both religious and irreligious lifestyles lead to spiritual emptiness? Share your thoughts on this….
5. Can you think of other times in the scriptures when the Pharisees and the religious leaders of Jesus’ times are in conflict with him? Why were they so opposed to him?
6. How are churches attracting the broken and marginalized with Jesus’ message? When you look at Living Word, what are we doing to be more welcoming and how do you or your Life Group fit into that picture?
7. Finally take some time to discuss your Lenten project around the themes of hospitality, service and/or welcome

 

 

Questions for Week of February 17th

Text: Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Note: Keller defines prodigal as recklessly extravagant.

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. And the Pharisees and the Scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
 
Then Jesus told them this parable…

There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.
‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to
celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.” ’ 

Discussion Questions:

I. What is your initial reaction to the story and why?

II. Who do you identify with more, the younger brother, or the older brother? Why?
 
III. What, if anything in your understanding of God does this story challenge?
 
IV. How close is the great feast described in the story to your idea of heaven?
 
V. Jesus is accused of welcoming and eating with “sinners”. How do you welcome strangers? How does Living Word welcome the strangers, visitors, and how could we improve our welcome and hospitality?

VI. As a group develop a Lenten challenge around the themes of welcome, service or hospitality.

Questions for November 18, 2012

 Interruptions!

Mark 13:1-8

13As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!’ ²Then Jesus asked him, ‘Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.’

3 When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?’ ⁵Then Jesus began to say to them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. ⁶Many will come in my name and say, “I am he!” and they will lead many astray. ⁷When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. ⁸For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of your Son, Jesus.  We pray that we would strive to be more like him in every way and to be the reflection of Christ’s love to our neighbors and friends… AND for those who annoy us.  Give us a new appreciation for living life in the moment, not worrying about the future, and trusting you no matter what.  In Jesus name.  AMEN.

Grist for the Mill

1. Martin Luther was once asked, “What would you do today if you knew tomorrow Christ would return and the world as we know it came to an end.”  His response was- “Plant a tree”.  What do you think he meant?  How would you respond to that question?
2. Do you have a Bucket List?  If so, share some of the items with the group.  If not, think of some things you would want to do or accomplish before you die.
3. When you hear or read about the “end times” are your first thoughts of Christ’s return a promise or threat?  Why?
4. How do you handle interruptions to your schedule and plans?  How does (or can) your faith help shape your response to the interruptions of life?
5. Spend some time sharing with your group about experiences you’ve had with friends or loved ones who have died.  What did they find helpful in those “last few days”.  Did it make a difference if death was sudden and unexpected or the result of an extended illness?  What impact did it have on your life?  On your faith?

Close your session by praying for the person on your right and ending with the Lord’s Prayer.

Questions for November 11, 2012

Mark 12:38-44

Jesus Denounces the Scribes

38 As he taught, he said, ‘Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the market-places, 39and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! 40They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.’

The Widow’s Offering

41 He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. 42A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. 43Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. 44For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we live in a world of extreme wealth and abject poverty.  We have been materially blessed in ways that so many in our world can’t begin to comprehend.  And yet we complain.  Forgive us.  Fill our hearts with gratitude and may your Holy Spirit move us to experience the joy of sacrificial giving.  But most of all, we give thanks for the immeasurable gift of your Son, Jesus, and his sacrificial gift of life- His in exchange for ours.  It is in his holy and precious name we pray.  AMEN.

1. Notice how Mark positions a harsh word about the Scribes’ hypocrisy immediately before the story of the Widow’s Offering. Why do you think Mark did that? What does it say to his original readers? What does it say to us?
2. Jesus spent a lot of time talking about the effect of wealth, (e.g. greed) on our spiritual lives. What makes it so difficult for us to discuss it in the church today? 
3. Pastor Blair showed a “Giving Distribution” chart in his sermon slides. Discuss with the group your reaction to the data? Were there any surprises? Did it make you uncomfortable? Were you tempted to “compare yourself to others?” (And for personal reflection, how did you feel about your place in the chart and the challenge to practice growth giving?)
4. When you consider you financial contribution to the ministry of Living Word do you think of it in terms of “meeting the budget of our congregation” or as “your gift to God”. What’s the difference? Does it matter?
5. During times of congregational conflict there is a tendency for giving to drop. Withholding our giving is one way that we express our dissatisfaction with something that has been said or done. How is this inconsistent with the story of the Widow’s offering? How is it similar?
6. Close your time by sharing together about the challenges we face in distinguishing between our “needs” and our “wants”.

End by holding hands and praying The Lord's Prayer