THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST – Matthew 22:1-4 (the Invitation)
- Where is the most unusual place that you have attended a wedding?
- What is your favorite thing about a wedding?
- In this parable, Jesus told a story about a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.
- Who do you think the king represents?
- Who does the king’s son represent?
- Who do the king’s servants represent?
- Who are the invited guests?
- What were the king’s servants commissioned to do (Matthew 22:3)?
- Why were the first invitees unwilling to attend (Matthew 22:3)?
- Why do you think they declined such an offer?
- What were the next servants instructed to say to those invited to the wedding (Matthew 22:4)?
- Why did they “up sell” the invitation (Matthew 22:4)?
- How sad is the response given in Matthew 22:5?
- How is our Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) like the commission of these servants?
- How is the obedience of the kings’ servants an example for us to follow?
- Throughout this entire story, the king’s servants were faithful to their mission. As followers of Christ, what is our mission today?
- How faithful are we to that mission?
- Have you ever responded to the mission in a similar way?
- Unwilling to answer the call?
- Paying no attention by ignoring the call?
- What keeps people from accepting Jesus’ invitation of everlasting life?
- What events led to your acceptance of Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and heaven?
- What prevents you from being “all-in” to God’s call on your life?
- How can our community of faith help us to be more faithful to our mission?
- In what ways do you believe that God’s mission is optional? (Like it is for God’s chosen few, but not for me).
- In what area(s) of your life have you been putting off a response to what God has asked you to do?
- What response should you give to God this week?
- Are you hearing the invitation?
- To what individuals this week can you extend Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and everlasting life?