Introduction
Before we begin, this is quick reminder of what we’ve considered so far:
God’s kingdom is coming
to rule primarily hearts not people groups
in small and imperceptible ways that only later become visible, rather than in large and forceful ways
everywhere, not in specific times and places
God’s kingdom is a kingdom of grace right alongside righteousness (the nature of the kingdom), not just a kingdom of righteousness
The God of the kingdom rebukes the righteous and accepts sinners.
The kingdom of God demands everything from us. It costs us everything.
1. “The power of the personal mission statement lies in your vision and in a commitment to that vision, that purpose, and those principle-centered values. They will control your decisions, determine your outlook, and provide the direction for your future.” (Stephen R. Covey, How to Develop Your Personal Mission Statement) Do you know your mission in life?
Getting into God’s Word
Let’s read Matthew 22:1-14
2. What do we need to know to understand the original story? Watch the clip below.
The invitation to the banquet
The surprising twist “We’re not going”
A political allegiance: the king’s son
the gracious king’s second offer
“The mistreatment of royal representatives was outright treason, constituting a declaration of revolt.”
weak excuses
the sent one is as the sender
judgment
go and invite the unworthy
3. We noticed that earlier parables were told in a specific context and referred to specific people or time. Do you think that this parable is talking about someone or something in particular? If it does refer to specific people or times, what do you think Jesus is trying to tell these people?
4. “Everyone who is defiled in the flesh, paralyzed in his feet or hands, lame, blind, deaf, dumb ... shall not enter to take their place among the congregation.” (Rule of the congregation 2:3-8 (Qumran))
“Yahweh of Hosts will make for all the people in this mountain a meal and though the Gentiles suppose it is an honor, it will be a shame for them, and great plagues, plagues from which they will be unable to escape, plagues whereby they will come to their end".” (Targum to Isaiah 2:5-6)
Compare those two quotes with Matthew 22:8-10. How are they similar or different? What does that say about God’s kingdom?
5. Do you think the churches in our community are more going out to seek the lost or letting the lost come to them? Give an example or two.
“Some think that the idea of “burning the city” found in this parable foretells what actually happens to Jerusalem, which was invaded by the Romans in 66 AD and finally destroyed with fire in 70 AD”
6. Let’s summarize the point of this parable, perhaps using the comparison it makes. Let’s see if we can be clear about it with a “just as …. so also” statement.
“Just as (the main message of the parable) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum id ligula porta felis euismod semper.”
….so also ….. (God deals with the world) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________”
Getting the Word into our lives
7. In verse 9, Jesus tells us to invite anyone we can find. In the ancient world, that would have been a mix of Jewish, Greek, Egyptian, Roman, and many different middle Eastern groups. There would have been rich, poor, sick, well, and many more. What kind of people will we find around us?
8. The first people invited were too busy to enjoy the banquet. Are you too busy for God and his kingdom? What might you be missing if you are busy?
9. The people at the banquet were asked to wear wedding clothes. One was thrown out because he didn’t have any. Are you wearing your wedding clothes? What is your favorite part of the attire?
Wrap Up
Split into groups of 2 or 3.
10. What’s a passage from this Scripture that impacted you?
11. How are you going to respond to this message?
12. Who is one person you’d like to share this with?