« Back to Beyond the Message

How to use it: After watching/listening to this week’s message, from October 23, 2022, use the questions to go deeper into the message, with your group…or on your own. The questions will introduce you to the topic, reflect content from the sermon, go ‘Beyond the Message’, & get you thinking about practical applications for your life.

1. Think of a time when you went to a person’s home, a business, or a restaurant and were made to feel welcome and accepted. What contributed to this positive experience? Now, think of a time when you did not feel welcome somewhere. What contributed to that experience?
   

2. Have a volunteer read Luke 7:36-38 and discuss the following questions.

   a. If you could see Jesus face-to-face, what is the first way you would express gratitude for your salvation? How did the woman in Luke 7:36-38 do this?

   b. What do you find most shocking about the woman’s actions?

   c. What risk was this “sinful woman” taking in coming to the house of Simon the Pharisee? What does this tell us about her?

   d. If you had witnessed this woman’s actions, how would you have reacted?
   

3. Have a volunteer read Luke 7:39-40 and discuss the following questions.

   a. What is your impression of Simon? What is Simon’s impression of Jesus?

   b. What does Jesus see in this woman that Simon does not? How does this affect Jesus’ actions towards her?

   c. What is Jesus’ main concern in this passage? How has Simon misunderstood the nature of Jesus and his ministry?
   

4. Have a volunteer read Luke 7:40-43 and discuss the following questions.

   a. What lesson was Jesus trying to help Simon understand? What is the main point of this parable?

   b. In your own words, explain the connection between your experience of God’s forgiveness, your love for him, and your desire to welcome others.
   

5. One of our core values at West Meadows is Heartfelt Hospitality; we cultivate a sense of belonging that softens hearts and saturates lives.

   a. How might hospitality be different when people are more concerned about honouring Jesus than the thoughts of others?

   b. What does West Meadows do well in the area of Heartfelt Hospitality?

   c. What opportunities still exist for us to show greater Heartfelt Hospitality? How could you be a part of making this a reality in your church and community?
   

   Prayer: Read all six values here. Reflect for a moment on the value of Heartfelt Hospitality, and then while you pray for one another, also ask God to provide opportunities to live this out this value in the coming week.