A Bridge to the Table
October 26, 2025
In Luke 14:12–24, Jesus tells a story about a banquet where the invitations go to the most unlikely guests. God’s Kingdom is like that table—overflowing with grace and open to all. A Bridge to the Table calls us to extend that same invitation: to make room for one more, welcome the outsider, and reflect heaven’s hospitality here on earth. Love fills the table when we pray boldly, give generously, and serve joyfully—so that God’s house may be full.
Passage
Luke 14:12–24
Principle
Love is the bridge from the margins to God’s table.
Practice
- Pray boldly for God’s house to be full.
- Give generously to make room for one more.
- Serve joyfully to welcome others to the table.
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Meals often bring people together in powerful ways—family dinners, celebrations, even holiday gatherings. Share about a meal you’ll never forget. What made it so meaningful?
HEAR
Read Psalm 23:5–6
- David says God “prepares a table before me.” What does this image tell us about God’s provision and presence in the midst of hardship?
- How does the promise of dwelling in God’s house “forever” connect to the image of sitting at His table?
- Have you ever experienced God’s presence in a surprising or difficult place—like a feast prepared in the presence of enemies?
Read Isaiah 25:6–9
- How does this prophetic vision of a lavish banquet expand our view of God’s Kingdom? Who is included at this feast?
- Verse 8 promises that God will “swallow up death forever.” How is this connected to Jesus and His resurrection?
- What encouragement does this vision bring for people who feel left out, overlooked, or weighed down by grief?
Read Matthew 9:9–13
- Why do you think Jesus spent so much time eating with “sinners and tax collectors”? What did this communicate about God’s heart?
- The Pharisees criticized Jesus’ table fellowship. What does this reveal about their view of God’s Kingdom?
- How might our homes, meals, and tables become places of ministry like Matthew’s house?
HUDDLE
Where do you need to make more “room at the table” in your own life? Who is God prompting you to invite—into your home, into your small group, into your circle of friendship, or into His Kingdom? Share names and situations. Pray together that God would make Aspire a church where love fills the table—a place that looks like heaven, where every nation and generation is welcome.
Personal Devotions
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Psalm 23
- Day 2: Isaiah 25:6–9
- Day 3: Luke 5:27–32
- Day 4: Luke 14:12–24
- Day 5: John 6:35–40
- Day 6: Acts 2:42–47
- Day 7: Revelation 19:6–9
Passage to Memorize: Luke 14:23
Think Deeper
- Who are the people in your life that might feel left out of God’s table? How can you extend an invitation this week?
- What “excuses” most often keep you from God’s invitation—busyness, priorities, comfort?
- What would it look like for Aspire Church to truly be a place where “love fills the table”?
Suggested Resources
- Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
- The Living Church by John Stott
- Center Church by Tim Keller
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB