Rise and Fall: An Extravagant Invitation
2 Samuel 9
March 31, 2024
Jay Haugh
The king wants to bring kindness, blessing and life to others.
And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” —2 Samuel 9:1 ESV
They know they are an enemy, and they don’t realize there’s good news.
Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.” —2 Samuel 9:2-3 ESV
Mephibosheth is born as an enemy of the true king.
(1) Mephibosheth is under condemnation and crippled in both feet.
They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. —Ephesians 4:18 ESV
The king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “He is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar.” —2 Samuel 9:4 ESV
Mephibosheth is far away from the true king.
Then King David sent and brought him from the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, at Lo-debar. —2 Samuel 9:4 ESV
(2) The king pursued and brought in this estranged, condemned, crippled child.
And Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, son of Saul, came to David and fell on his face and paid homage. —2 Samuel 9:6 ESV
Mephibosheth seeks mercy from the king.
The king embraces and calls him by name.
And David said, “Mephibosheth!” —2 Samuel 9:6 ESV
And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” —2 Samuel 9:7 ESV
The king gives kindness and unmerited favor on the basis of another.
The king brings a restoration of “all things.”
“And I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.” —2 Samuel 9:7 ESV
(3) Mephibosheth is adopted into the king’s family.
And he paid homage and said, “What is your servant, that you should show regard for a dead dog such as I?” —2 Samuel 9:8 ESV
He understands that he has been delivered and elevated because of grace alone.
(4) Mephibosheth has been exalted and given a new life!
Then the king called Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “All that belonged to Saul and to all his house I have given to your master’s grandson. And you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him and shall bring in the produce, that your master’s grandson may have bread to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s grandson shall always eat at my table.” —2 Samuel 9:9-10 ESV
True of Mephibosheth/Us:
• Enemy of the king
• Under condemnation
• Crippled and broken
• Wounded by others
• At a great distance
• Estranged from the king
• Fearful and skeptical
• Hopeless
True of King Jesus:
• Has an extravagant invitation
• Full of love and compassion
• Pursues the enemy and estranged
• Embraces and calls us by name
• Shows kindness and unmerited favor
• Restores what was lost
• Adopts us into His family
• Exalts and gives new life
Big Idea:
God promises to restore, adopt and give new life to those who come to Him.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: 2 Samuel 7:22 NIV
How great you are, Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
These questions aim to foster meaningful discussion and encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.
Read 2 Samuel 9
How do you think unbelievers view God? Do they view Him as an angry God who is out to get them? Or as a compassionate and loving God who cares about them? How can we bring a message of hope where people perceive condemnation and judgment?
Why could Mephibosheth be considered an enemy of David? Read Colossians 1:21-22. How does this passage refer to those who are not a part of God’s family? As a group, come up with a scenario in which you have one opportunity to share the Gospel with an unbeliever. What do you say in this moment about how a person is “reconciled” to God?
Mephibosheth is disabled for life, which can be a metaphor for how sin cripples our lives. Think back to before you were a believer, did you see yourself as someone in need of spiritual healing? Do you ever feel broken or unworthy today?
David pursues a man whom society considers unworthy. How does this story reflect God’s love for us, despite our shortcomings? How has God pursued you in your life? Share a time when you felt God’s initiative in bringing you closer to Him. How can we, as followers of Christ, better reflect His pursuit of the lost and broken in our own lives?
Mephibosheth seeks mercy from David. Going before the king was likely a very nervous moment for Mephibosheth. He understands his place and bows to David. How can we cultivate a posture of humility and dependence on God in our daily lives? Do you ever assume a specific bodily posture when connecting with God?
David embraces Mephibosheth and calls him by name. God is personal, and He knows us. How does this detail speak to God’s intimate knowledge of each of us? Share how you’ve experienced this personal connection with God.
David shows kindness and unmerited favor to Mephibosheth because of a covenant with Jonathan, not because of anything Mephibosheth has done. How does this story illustrate the concept of grace versus earning God’s favor? What motivates your acts of kindness and generosity? How can your faith influence these motivations?
David goes above and beyond for Mephibosheth, restoring him to a place of honor. How can we practically demonstrate this kind of extravagant generosity in our own lives? Including Mephibosheth at the table was a sign of a valued relationship. As we seek to Pursue Others, what should we do as a Small Group to welcome someone to our metaphorical table? How can we ensure that everyone feels welcome and included at the table?
Mephipbosheth is adopted into David’s family. How is the metaphor of adoption used throughout the New Testament to talk about being brought into God’s family? The New Testament uses adoption to describe our relationship with God (see Romans 8:15). What are some of the privileges and responsibilities that come with being adopted by God? How does understanding ourselves as adopted sons and daughters of God change the way we approach prayer and worship?
Just like Mephibosheth is given a new life, people who come to Jesus are given a new life. When you became a believer, how did your life change?