God keeps inviting people into the feast of the kingdom. How do respond to this invitation?
Worship this week — Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School and presentation by LUAD (Lutherans United, Assisting after Disaster) in the fellowship hall
10:30 a.m. — Contemporary Worship
Devotions for the week:
March 8, 2015 “The Parable of the Wedding banquet”
Study: The king in the parable of the wedding banquet was a generous king, but also one who refused to be taken advantage of. Initially he invited family and friends to the banquet, but they would not come. This may have been a parallel to the Jewish leaders who refused to walk in God’s ways, even as they were claiming to do just that. The king then invited everyone to come, perhaps an open invitation from God to come into God’s kingdom. A twist near the end shows one man, improperly dressed for the banquet, thrown out of the party. This may have been to indicate that God’s people were expected to behave in a manner fitting of guests of the king; to treat one another with kindness and respect.
Read: Follow the teachings and actions of Jesus. See how his actions angered and frightened those in power.
Sunday, Matthew 22:1-14, Wedding Banquet
Monday, Psalm 45:6-7, Psalm
Tuesday, Matthew 20:17-34, Works of Jesus
Wednesday, Matthew 21:12-22, Jesus Cleanses the Temple
Thursday, Matthew 21:23-27, The Authority of Jesus Questioned
Friday, Matthew 21:28-32, Parables of Jesus
Saturday, Matthew 21:33-46, Parables of Jesus
- Who are the insiders and who are the outsiders in your community? What happens when the lines get blurred? Who benefits when insiders and outsiders begin to work together? Who is hurt?
- How is Jesus’ parable of the wedding banquet good news for you? How is it bad news? Which do you prefer to see: the good or the bad?
Do: Invite someone to coffee that you normally would not invite (a co-worker, a neighbor, a parishioner). Come with no expectations. Enjoy the company of someone new.
