Storytime, Week 1: Jan. 7, 2024

Jesus Attends a Dinner Party

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Passage: Luke 14:7-14 - Once when Jesus was at a dinner party at the home of a Pharisee, he noticed that the guests were taking the places of honour at the table, and he told them a parable. He told them, when someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the places of honour or someone more important might come along and you will be asked to give up your seat and will be humiliated. Instead, take the lowest seat, so that the host will will honour you by moving you up to a better seat. In saying this he taught that those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Furthermore, he taught that when one hosts a banquet, they should welcome those who are left out and on the margins, and that in doing so they will be blessed.

Big Idea: We Are All Invited To God’s Party

Follow Up Questions:

• Preschool-Kindergarten

  • What was the story you learned about in class today?

  • Was it cool to learn that Jesus liked to go to parties with his friends?

  • Has there ever been a time when you felt left out or lonely?

  • What do you think Jesus would want to tell you when you’re feeling that way?

  • What are some ways that you might be a good friend to others who are feeling left out?

• Grades 1-3

  • What was the lesson all about in class today?

  • Do you think it’s kind of cool that Jesus was just like us and enjoyed going to parties and spending time with his friends?

  • Has there ever been a time when you felt left out?

  • What’s something we can remember when we’re feeling that way?

  • What are some ways that we can be a good friend to others who we see being left out and excluded?

• Grades 4-6

  • What was the story that you talked about in class today?

  • What do you think about the idea of Jesus going to parties and celebrating with his friends? Does that surprise you? Why or why not?

  • Has there ever been a time when you felt left out or saw someone else getting left out of the fun?

  • What do you think Jesus has to say to those who feel excluded and left out?

  • What are some ways that we can be a good friend to others and show them God’s welcoming heart?