Discussion Topic: The Host Who Forgot His Manners

Christ Speaks to the Problem of Spiritual Pride

Pray

Pray together for the group meeting, and any pressing needs within the group.

Mission Talk

Each week you’ll spend some time sharing about the previous week’s mission. What was your mission, what were your results, and what did you learn from it?

Watch

Watch the following discussion-starter video. It’ll set the topic of discussion for the group.

Read Luke 7:36-50

1. One person will first read the scripture selection in the King James Version.
2. Next, another person will read the same passages in a modern language or amplified version for more clarity such as the New Living Translation (NLT), Message Bible (MSG), New English Translation (NET), Amplified Bible (AMP), etc. We recommend using the YouVersion Bible app.

Retell

1. One person will begin retelling the scripture passage in their own words (a new person to start each week is great!) Then…
2. As a group, work together to fill in gaps and build the story. This will help us internalize and own it. Be sure everyone participates.

Discuss

Together, share around the group how the topic and scripture setting applies to your life personally. Here are some thoughts to consider for discussion… don’t let the discussion stop here, though… what questions can you ask that will help uncover God’s message?

The Stage – verse 36

• The man who invited Jesus was described as a Pharisee. What do we know about Pharisees that would help us understand some details about him?
• What was the purpose of the invitation?
• Jesus was growing in popularity among the people through his teachings and miracles, and the Pharisees were growing enemies of Jesus. What are some possible intentions he may have had by inviting Jesus?
• Describe the surroundings and environment of the location for the invitation.
• What would the invited guests be doing, and how were they situated?
• Who did the Pharisee want to be at the center of attention here?

The Dilemma – verses 37-38

• Describe the woman who interrupted the dinner. Where did she live? Would she be known by the guests? What was her reputation? Do we know what her sin was? Was she still living in sin at this time?
• How did the woman learn about the dinner?
• Was her action spontaneous, or planned?
• What was her emotional condition when she entered the house?
• What all did she bring with her?
• In what way did she approach Jesus, and what might the significance of this be?
• What four things did she do to Jesus’ feet, and why?
• Were her actions appropriate for such an occasion?
• What reaction might such a scene have caused with the guests at the dinner?
• Who was the center of attention now?
• What happens to pride when it loses it’s spotlight?

The Accusation – verse 39

• What did the Pharisee who invited Jesus do upon seeing this thing done by the woman?
• What judgments did he make about Jesus? Was the Pharisee right or wrong about these judgments?
• What judgment did he make about the woman? Was he right or wrong about her?
• In what way does pride cause us to judge others?
• Who else knew what the Pharisee was saying to himself?

The Confrontation – verses 40-47

• What is significant about the fact that Jesus called Simon by name?
• Jesus told a parable about two debtors owing money and couldn’t pay. What two people in that room was he comparing them to? Which one was which?
• Describe the heart of the creditor in Jesus’ story. Who was the creditor being compared to?
• While both debtors owed money, the penalty was the same. Why would Jesus ask him which would love him most?
• Did Simon know Jesus was comparing him to the woman?
• To Jesus, were they both debtors? What would this realization do to Simon’s pride?
• What was Simon’s answer to Jesus? Was he confident in his answer?
• Was he right in his answer?
• Was Simon a hospitable host to Jesus? Why or why not?
• What things did Simon neglect that the woman did to Jesus?
• Because of the woman’s actions, what did Jesus tell Simon he would do for her?
• Did he offer the same for Simon? Why or why not?
• Did Simon have love for Jesus? Explain.

The Resolution – verses 48-49

• After Jesus told Simon what he would do for the woman, what did he say to her?
• Were her sins already forgiven before he spoke this to her? (vs. 47)
• Why was it important for Jesus to speak these words to her?
• What was the reaction of the other guests at Jesus’ declaration to the woman?
• What did Jesus say brought about the woman’s saving?

• Can you see yourself in this story? Which character are you, or have you been?
• In what ways can you allow Jesus to remove pride from your life? In what ways can you be proactive about doing so?

Mission

In light of what we now know about this passage, what is God calling you to do this week? As a group, take just a couple of minutes to silently pray to God asking, “Lord, what do you want me to do this week because of what I’ve seen today?” Briefly write this down as a personal mission statement for the week,

“Lord, this week, I will __________________________.”

Some possible suggestions:

• Lord, this week I will make an opportunity to humble myself by preferring someone else.
• Lord, this week I will humble myself more to you in worship.
• Lord, this week I will share a social media testimony about how you’ve forgiven me.
• Even better, write your own!

Next Week’s Scriptures

The Frustrated Fisherman: Jesus Speaks to the Problem of Limited Vision – Luke 5:1-11.