You’re Invited-“The Call”“Talk it Over” Discussion

Opening Question: Have you ever been invited to a special event (Sweet sixteen, wedding, bachelor party, etc.)? How was your experience?

Over the next several weeks we'll be exploring the great invitation that God has sent out through his son Jesus Christ. This is an invitation to a new life with God and his people (Have you RSVP'd?). For some of us, this series will be a new and exciting experience, still for others it will be a refreshing reminder of what life with God is all about. Let's read the passage for our new series, Matthew 11:28-30.

Main Passage for “You’re Invited:”“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

What is your immediate response to reading this passage? Does anything stand out to you, or do you have any questions?

What are some of the things that Jesus offers in this text? What is the invitation that Jesus is extending?

David and MephiboshethFor many people, the thought of living in a relationship with God is far from the description above. So today we'll take a look at a story from the life of king David and his unlikely invitation to a broken and defeated man. We'll discuss how this story beautifully depicts the invitation that Jesus extends to all of us. Please read 2 Samuel 9:1-13. Observation:

What are some of your observations? Who are the characters in this passage? What do we know about Mephibosheth?

Point 1: David sought Mephibosheth- "'Where is he?' the king asked." (Vs. 4) Observation:

How many questions did David ask, and what were they?Note: (Vs. 1-4) David asks a total of four questions, three of which are concerning the house of Saul.

Why did David seek after Mephibosheth? What was his intention and motivation for doing so? Note: (Vs. 4) To show kindness (Intention) for Jonathan's sake (Motivation).

What did David do once he found where Mephibosheth was living?Note: (Vs. 5) He had him brought to him immediately.

Reflection: Is there anything unusual about David's desire to show kindness to Mephibosheth? Explain.

Note: "There is wide precedent in Mesopotamian texts for the elimination of all rival claimants to the throne when a king comes to power. ..David, however, treats Mephibosheth, the only surviving male member of the royal family, as the rightful heir to Saul's estate." (IVP Bible Background Commentary, pg.36)

How do you think Mephibosheth felt about David's invitation? Note: Verse 7 gives shows that Mephibosheth was probably afraid, and he had every right to be considering the information above.

Point 2: David restored Mephibosheth - "I will restore to you all of the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." (Vs. 7)Observation

What was David's promise to Mephibosheth?Note: (Vs. 7) "I will restore to you all of the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table."

What did David do in order to fulfill his promise? Note: He gave orders to Ziba demanding that all of Saul's servants farm the land in order to provide for Mephibosheth. According to the passage David continued to have Mephibosheth at his table.

Reflection: How would you describe Mephibosheth's life before meeting David, and how did his life change after they met

(Compare and Contrast)? Did Mephibosheth have anything to offer David? Did he do anything to reach his new royal status?

Concluding Questions:Take moment to read Ephesians 2:1-10 before continuing on to the concluding questions.

What do we have in common with Mephibosheth, and how does Jesus change our sin condition? What does 2 Samuel 9 tell us about God's character? Does this change your perception of God? How does this passage speak to you, or how can you apply this passage to your own life? Do you know anyone with a twisted perception of God? What can you share with them from today's discussion?

Prayer: Pray for those close to you that don't know Jesus, pray that God will draw them to himself and that they will

respond to his invitation. Pray that we will not only have the right perception of God's character, but that we ourselves will reflect God's

kindness, compassionate and loving character. Pray for any other needs