During our lives we will make many decisions that will not only affect our present, but our future realities as well. In Luke 14, Jesus tells a story reminding us to make choices that reflect eternity.

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny.” —Lao Tzu (attributed)

What do you think about this quote?

Hearing this, a man sitting at the table with Jesus exclaimed, “What a blessing it will be to attend a banquet in the Kingdom of God!” 16 Jesus replied with this story: “A man prepared a great feast and sent out many invitations. 17 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servant to tell the guests, ‘Come, the banquet is ready.’ 18 But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ 19 Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20 Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’ 21 “The servant returned and told his master what they had said. His master was furious and said, ‘Go quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and invite the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ 22 After the servant had done this, he reported, ‘There is still room for more.’ 23 So his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full. 24 For none of those I first invited will get even the smallest taste of my banquet.’ ” —Luke 14:15–24 (NLT)

What do you believe is Jesus’ point?
In what ways would the Pharisees (and others at this table) be offended by this story?

One understanding from this story is that everyone is invited to come to the Heavenly feast.
What does it mean that everyone is welcome?

This story, though, is bigger than just the heavenly table. Jesus is saying that the same should be true of your table.

Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. 13 Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. 14 Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” —Luke 14:12–14 (NLT)

What is Jesus’ point?
Who are the poor, crippled, lame, and blind for you?

What if we took Jesus command literally here and actually opened up our own tables for people coming from the gutters of life?
How will you invite people to your “table” this week?