The Table is the relational place. It is where we intentionally make room for the ‘ones’ and the ‘other.’ The Table is an invitation and a commitment to community. It is a space for questions and conversation. It is where we practice being the body of Christ as we break bread and share our lives with one another.

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SEE IT // BE IT

(WEEKLY COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE)

Title: Rooted Renegades: Table // Scripture: Luke 22:14-23

ARRIVAL / SOCIAL TIME 15-20 minutes Spend the first 15 minutes or so of your time together catching up and socializing with one another. Also find time to catch up together on how the assignments from last week turned out.

SERMON REVIEW 5-10 minutes
The rhythm of Rooted Renegades radically following Jesus together begins with time alone with him in the cave. As we move out onto the road, we make space for Jesus to work in all the places we go. This week, we considered the rhythm of the table, where we come together to bless and be blessed by our families and others.

When we think about the table, some of us might immediately recall a particularly delicious plate of food. Others might think first of the people at the table or even the significance of the meal’s location. Remembering our best meals reminds us that the table is often one of those “thin places” where the distance between heaven and earth seems so small. And perhaps there was no table or meal “thinner” than that of the Lord’s Last Supper in Jerusalem.

At its best, the table is a place of presence and peace where we feel safe, at home, and provided for – a “thin place.” The table can be a place of remembrance and reconnection – a taste of eternity. It can also be a difficult place where issues of selfishness, sinfulness, and sadness are clearly revealed. But the hope of the table is in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus which transforms the table into a place of reconciliation. The table is an open invitation to come and make space for Jesus to restore the deepest and truest places of human connection between God and each other. There is no question that all are welcome at Jesus’ table, but the choice to stay at his table and be transformed is up to you.

THE MAIN THOUGHT keep this in mind as you facilitate discussion.
Jesus invites everyone to his table to experience the deepest, truest aspects of human connection.

SEE IT – Questions 10-15 minutes
Picture (What is the story saying?):What is the significance of the table? What are some of the challenges we may face at the table? What is the ultimate outcome of staying at the table with Jesus? How does Jesus invite us to bring the table back into our everyday lives?

Mirror (Where am I in the story?): Have I accepted the invitation to come to the table? Do I feel welcome there? What makes me feel welcome or unwelcome there? How have I experienced reconciliation and transformation at the table? How does Jesus challenge us to invite others to the table?

Window (How does the story change how I see those around me?): Where are the tables that Jesus is inviting me to connect with? Who are the people around me that I am being challenged to invite to my table? How could my neighborhood be transformed if I opened my table to my neighbors?

BE IT – Practice 10-15 minutes
Change UP // Exercise 5 minutes
Read Luke 22:14-23. Who do you have the most affinity to in the story? Share a few reasons why. How has Jesus welcomed you radically, provided for you abundantly, forgiven you completely, or transformed you deeply through your time with him and others at the table. Take time to thank God in prayer for his work at the table.

Change IN // Group Activity 5 minutes
(Prepare the Lord’s Supper prior to meeting) Read I Corinthians 11:23-34 out loud. Make space to remember Jesus’ sacrifice, to confess and be reconciled before him, and to rejoice and worship him. Share in communion together.

Change OUT // Life Application Assignment 5 minutes
Plan a meal in February to share together as a community. Ask God to show you who each of you should invite from your neighborhood, workplace, the next generation, and/or the nations to join you at the table. Share the meal together. Set aside time to share feedback about the experience. Who was missing at the table? What are some ways you can make others feel more welcome there? When will you invite them to the table again?

CLOSING PRAYER 5 minutes
Take a few minutes to gather any prayer requests and pray for each other to SEE IT and BE IT this week.