Message Notes
Look Back
In what ways are you maximizing what you love for the benefit of God's mission?
Look Up
Read Matthew 22:1-7
- Why do you think that Jesus used a parable, or fictitious story, to describe the kingdom of heaven? What do you think he was trying to accomplish?
- What do most people think of when they hear someone mention “heaven”? How does Jesus’ illustration compare to this?
- Who do you think that Jesus intended the king and his servants to represent in this story? Who do you think they represent today?
- Who did you think the guests represented in Jesus’ story and why do you think they responded the way they did? What application does this have today?
Read Matthew 22:8-14
- What do verses 8-10 tell us about God, Jesus and people? What does this mean for you personally?
- How does the king approach the “wedding crasher” in verse 12? What does the king’s initial reaction say about God?
- Why do you think Jesus describes the king as acting so forcefully in verse 13? What point do you think he is trying to make and how does it apply to people today?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Are you a guest, transformed by the king, or a party crasher? Who are you inviting to the feast?
Notes
The wedding feast is a fictitious story that is symbolic of a celebration where God and all types of people join together. God invites previously discarded and rejected people and declares them welcome, not by their goodness, but because of his goodness and mercy. Everyone is welcome at the table, but the table changes us. If it does not change us, then we are not truly guests - we are wedding crashers.
