DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- How did you get connected to Chase Oaks, and what was your experience like when you first visited?
- When you think about the concept of a "ripple effect," what comes to mind? Have you seen examples in your life where a small action led to a significant impact?
- Read Mark 2:15-17. How does this passage reflect Jesus’ heart and mission?
- Jesus spent time with people who were often overlooked by others. Are there particular people or groups in your life or community who you feel are often “turned away” by society?
- Read Luke 15:1-7. What words or phrases stand out to you in this passage?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus encourages us to “leave the 99 to find the one"?
- One of our Chase Oaks DNA statements is: “This is not our party!” To explain this further, “We are never more like Jesus than when we give up our preferences for the sake of others. We design every part of Chase Oaks to be not only relevant to us, but also compelling and engaging to those who have yet to come.” How do you see us as a church living into this DNA statement at our weekend services? How about in our group? What could we improve?
- Jeff mentioned three “rocks” that can create a big ripple effect: donating, serving, and inviting. Which of these feels like a natural next step for you and which do you feel more challenged by?
- What is one small “rock” you can throw this week to start creating ripples and impacting others? Is there someone in your life might God be calling you to reach out to, whether through an invite, conversation, or act of service?
- Let’s end our group time praying for one another and our next steps.
VERSE TO MEDITATE ON AND MEMORIZE
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. (Mark 2:15)
PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (OPTIONAL)
- In Mark 2:15-17, Jesus and his disciples shared a meal with those who were not yet followers. Consider this practice of hospitality from Practicing the Way: With each passing year, our culture becomes increasingly post-Christian. People are more hostile to the gospel of Jesus than ever before. And yet this is nothing new, since we know that Jesus himself faced anger and antagonism in his culture. But how did he overcome that? One meal at a time. In story after story, we read of Jesus eating and drinking with the lost. In doing so, he set a timeless practice into motion. This practice is what the New Testament writers go on to call “hospitality.” And while the practice of hospitality is directed at those inside and outside the church, the Greek word literally means “the love of a guest.” Hospitality is expressing the welcome of God the Father to all through tangible acts of love, ideally through giving food, shelter, and relationship.
- For this week, let’s follow Jesus’ example of eating and drinking with somebody who has yet to experience the Father’s welcome. The beauty of this practice is that anybody can do it. Here are two steps:
- Exercise #1: Listening Prayer (If you can, get somewhere quiet for this one. If you are not able to, that’s ok.)
- Invite the Holy Spirit to give shape to your imagination.
- Ask him to bring to mind the name or face of someone who does not know God that you can share a meal with.
- Contact that person and invite them to share a meal with you in the coming week(s).
- Exercise #2: Share a Meal with Somebody
- This next part is pretty straightforward – eat and drink with somebody!
- Ideally, open your home or apartment. If that doesn’t work, invite them to a public space (a restaurant, park, etc.) This might be a great time to learn how to cook a good meal!
- As you host the meal, think of creative ways to express the love and welcome of Jesus toward your guest.
- During your time together, ask questions, listen, and don’t be afraid to share meaningful conversation. At the same time, view small talk as a form of hospitality, of creating room for the guest. Just focus on loving them, not on “selling them” on Jesus.
- Pray for your guest before, during, and after your meal. You don’t have to do this out loud; it’s actually ok if they don’t know you’re doing it. Just ask God for whatever you want to see God do in their life.