Reverse Discrimination

5/22/2022

Discrimination has been a part of our world since the fall. Whether based on class, ethnicity, economics, gender, or race there have always been those who have discriminated against the “others.” Surely one of the great hopes of God’s Kingdom must be that it will be a place free of discrimination. Join us for part 5 of The Great Reversal to hear how Jesus described the reverse discrimination of His Father’s Kingdom.

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Passage

Luke 14:1-24

Principles

The Kingdom of God discriminates against the ##proud## in favor of the ##humble##.

Practice

Humble yourself under the ##priority## of the Kingdom.

Humble yourself under the ##commonness## of the Kingdom.

Humble yourself under the ##mission## of the Kingdom.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

‍HANGOUT

What is the fanciest event you’ve ever attended? Describe it. How did you come to be invited to that event? How did you feel at that event?

Jesus’ parable about the “Great Banquet” in Luke 14 is a picture of the Kingdom of God. The Apostle John describes the actual banquet in Revelation 19-21.

HEAR

Read Revelation 19:6-10

What is the purpose of this banquet? Who is the bridegroom? Who is the bride?
What is the significance of John’s description of the bride’s clothing? Read Ephesians 5:25-30. What does this tell you about Jesus’ commitment to His church? Why is this celebrated at the wedding supper of the Lamb in Revelation 19?
What is the status of those invited to the wedding feast (vs. 9)? How does this relate to Jesus’ parable of the Great Banquet in Luke 14?

Read Revelation 21:1-8

How does the picture of a bride coming toward her groom reflect the hope of the Kingdom?
What are the consequences of the marriage of the bride and groom? What is the promise to those who are thirsty? How might this relate to Jesus’ first miracle (see John 2:1-12)?
Who is not invited to the wedding? What is their fate?
If an invitation to the banquet is free and for the humble, why would these people be left out? Does this contradict Jesus’ parable in Luke 14? Why or why not?

Read Revelation 21:9-27

How do you understand this description of heaven? How literally should we take it?
Why is there no need for the sun or moon?
What is the significance of the nations and kings bringing their glory into this place?
Why do you suppose the gates are never shut? What does this mean? What doesn’t this mean?

HUDDLE

Are you humbled enough by the priorities and commonness of God’s Kingdom to enter it? What is currently the Kingdom’s chief competition for your attention? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray.

Daily Reading

As you read these stories of various kings, pay attention to the consequences of pride and the power of humility. Invite the Holy Spirit to fit you for the Kingdom by teaching you the power of humility.

Day 1: 1 Samuel 24
Day 2: 2 Samuel 24
Day 3: 1 Kings 3
Day 4: 1 Kings 8
Day 5: 1 Kings 11
Day 6: 1 Kings 12
Day 7: 1 Kings 21

Think Deeper

Has your life become so distracted that you would refuse Jesus’ initiation to the Great Banquet?
When was the last time you invited someone to dinner who you knew could never invite you back?
How will you put others’ needs ahead of your own this week?