Grow Guide | Mar 12, 2023
Carry On - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Matthew 22:1-10
Connecting Questions
Name a time when someone in your community (church or otherwise) was there for you in a time of need. What did it mean to you?
Can you remember a time when you received forgiveness and/or generosity even when you felt like you didn’t deserve it? What was it like?
Context
We’re in the third week of the liturgical season of Lent and continuing a sermon series called “Carry On.” The title comes from the mission statement of Easter Lutheran Church to “grow in faith and carry on the work of Jesus Christ.” Throughout the five Sundays in Lent, and the Wednesday midweek services, we will reflect on what we’ve learned from Jesus, the Great Teacher, and how we can apply it to our lives. What will we do to carry on the work of Jesus in our daily lives—both as individuals and as a faith community?
This week we’re focusing on Easter’s call to care for one another and our community. How do we truly offer welcome and care to all people, regardless of their perceived worthiness? Jesus tells the parable of the wedding banquet after he has entered Jerusalem and cleansed the temple. Tensions are rising as Jesus moves closer to his trial and crucifixion, and his teachings are getting more difficult. How we respond to God’s generosity and to our neighbors makes a difference in the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus tells us not to take it lightly.
Look at the Book
Read Matthew 22:1-10.
Who is the wedding banquet for?
What happens the first time the king sends his servants out to call those who have been invited? The second time?
What does the king do in verse 7?
Who is finally invited to the banquet in verse 9?
List what is challenging about this parable.
Why do you think there is violent imagery in it?
Parables sound different to people in different life situations. How would this parable sound to someone who has power and wealth? To someone who feels like an outsider?
Look at the context of this parable. It’s part of an extended response of Jesus to the chief priests and elders challenging his authority in Matthew 21:23.
What 2 parables come before today’s parable?
In this group of three parables (from Matthew 21:28 to 22:10), how is the parable of the wedding banquet the climax of Jesus’ argument?
What does this parable tell us about God’s generosity and persistence?
How does this parable remind us that the way we live out our faith makes a difference?
How does it pull us out of complacency?
According to this parable, who deserves our love and care?
Taking it Home
· Look into the ways Easter connects with its local community partners (Loaves and Fishes, TreeHouse, Homework Help, and Fare for All, among others). How do these connections extend invitation to all in our community?
· How do you engage these difficult texts from the Bible without letting them discourage you? Are there ways Jesus’ challenging words can inspire you this week?