Text Study for Sunday, August 3rd, 2025

Series Theme: You Welcomed Me

Reading: Luke 14:7-14

CONNECTING QUESTIONS

Tell about a time you were invited to a party.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Lord Jesus, you welcomed all who came into your presence. May I reflect that same spirit through this ministry of hospitality. May your light shine in my heart this day. Remove from me anything that would stand in the way of radiating your presence.

As people enter this Church to worship and praise You, may they hear your voice in my words and see your love in my actions. May my “welcome” reflect our joy at their presence amid my “good-by” encourage them to return soon.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve you and ask your blessing upon all my efforts. I ask this through our God who is the giver of all gifts.

CONTEXT

As people of faith, we are called to practice hospitality not as a mere act of kindness, but as a sacred expression of our beliefs. Hospitality is a faith practice that reflects the heart of God. When we welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and create space for others at our tables, we do so as if we are serving Jesus himself.

In extending hospitality, we embody the love, grace, and radical welcome of Christ. It is not optional or occasional—it is a core part of our discipleship. Through hospitality, we bear witness to a God who receives all with open arms and calls us to do the same. Join us on this journey with our sermon series, You Welcomed Me, will explore this need to welcome, care for, walk with, include, and show kindness.

From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:

A main focus of Luke’s Gospel is the nature of the salvation that Jesus Christ provides. Because Jesus encounters a wide variety of people in Luke, this Gospel offers a glimpse into the different facets of salvation–its spiritual, physical, and social dimensions. Because Jesus speaks many parables in Luke, this Gospel also becomes a source for deep reflection about the nature of God’s reign and the ways of living faithfully in this world.

LOOK AT THE BOOK

How is it with your spirit this week?
Where have you encountered a stranger this past week? What was it like?
What was one take-away from listening to the Carry On Cast podcast that connects with this Grow Guide?
Open to Luke 14:1. What is going on; what is the scene? Also, what happened in the previous chapter?
Jump to Luke 14:7. What does Jesus notice?
Tell about a time you noticed something like Jesus noticed—how people were behaving around you? Tell about a time you were oblivious to something until someone pointed it out.
In verse 7, what does Jesus do to respond to people taking places of honor at the meal?
What is Jesus’s teaching through verse 11? What does he say to do? What do you think about that?
Tell about a meaningful experience of Holy Communion.
How does biblical hospitality connect with the experience of Holy Communion? Why?
Jesus narrows his focus in verse 12 to one person. Who? What is his encouragement?
If someone does something nice for you, do you ever feel in debt to them? Why or why not?
Who is on Jesus’s list for whom we should care?
Part of God’s promises is fulfilled at the “resurrection of the righteous.” What do you think that may mean?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

TAKING IT HOME

Jot down three names of people you could invite for a meal or coffee this week. Then invite them.

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | Aug 3, 2025