Table Talk | September 28-29
Opening Question:
– Have you ever found yourself running away from something God was calling you to do? What was that experience like?
Key Takeaways:
1. God’s mercy extends to all people, even those we might consider undeserving.
2. Our theology can be correct, but our hearts can still be callous towards others.
3. God’s mercy should point us towards people, not away from them.
4. Like Jonah, we can sometimes prioritize our own comfort over God’s mission.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does Jonah’s initial reaction to God’s command compare to times when you’ve felt resistant to God’s leading?
2. Pastor Todd said, “What all people have in common isn’t their virtue, but their need for rescue.” How does this perspective challenge our view of others, especially those we might consider enemies?
3. Discuss the statement: “When God has mercy on you, you tend to be grateful, but not repentant.” How have you experienced this in your own life?
4. How does the story of Nineveh’s repentance challenge our assumptions about who can or will respond to God’s message?
5. In what ways can you relate to Jonah’s anger towards God’s mercy for Nineveh? Are there people or groups you struggle to want God to forgive or bless?
6. How does Jesus’ reference to the “sign of Jonah” (Matthew 12:38-41) deepen our understanding of this story and its significance?
Practical Applications:
1. Identify one person or group you’ve been reluctant to share God’s love with. Commit to praying for them daily this week.
2. Reflect on areas where you might be prioritizing your own comfort over God’s mission. What steps can you take to align more closely with God’s heart for people?
3. Share with the group a time when you experienced God’s unexpected mercy. How did it impact your view of God and others?
4. As a group, brainstorm ways you can be more intentional about reaching out to people in your community who might be considered “outsiders” or unlikely to respond to God.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your relentless mercy that pursues us even when we run. Help us to have hearts that reflect your compassion for all people. Give us the courage to be agents of your love and grace, even to those we find difficult to love. Transform our hearts to see others as you see them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.