Eat
Matthew 9:9-13
Faith Parry
Part of 2022
August 7, 2022

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Main Scripture Passage:

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” —Matthew 9:9-13

Key Idea:

To B.L.E.S.S. your Neighbor, Jesus invites you to eat with them.
B - Begin with Prayer
L - Listen
E - Eat

Jesus Did some Amazing Things Around Food:

  1. Wedding Feast - Jn 2:1-12
  2. Feeds 5,000 - Mt 14:13-21; Mk 6:30-44; Lk, 9:10-17; Jn 6:1-15
  3. Feeds 4,000 - Mk 8:1-10
  4. Makes Breakfast - Jn 21:1-17

Common Excuses:

-I don’t like to have people in my home
-I wouldn’t know what to say
-I just don’t have time

To Do This Week:

  1. Talk with Your Partner
  2. Pray for Your 8
  3. Keep Listening
  4. Start Eating

B.L.E.S.S. - Discussion Questions

These questions come from the book used in this series to help us love our neighbors
Bless: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World by Dave & Jon Ferguson.

  1. If you could eat anywhere for dinner, where would you go?
  2. Have you ever experienced sharing a meal with someone, and suddenly that acquaintance became a friend?
  3. What is it about sharing a meal that seems to deepen a friendship so quickly?
  4. What point was Jesus making when He said that He “came eating and drinking…” (Luke 7:34 NIV)?
  5. Why is eating with someone such an effective way to bless them?
  6. Which of the excuses for not sharing a meal with someone do you relate to most?
  7. Who will you share a meal, dessert, or coffee with this week?