Sermon Notes
# Serm: "Lions and Tigers and Tax Collectors"on Notes
**Series: Come to the Table
Scripture: Luke 5:27–32**
*Theme: Jesus’ table is a place of radical grace, surprising inclusion, and divine transformation.*
I. **The Power of the Table in Divided Times**
Our nation feels more divided than united. People seek hope in politics and economics, but true transformation comes through surrendered lives and the Spirit of God. Jesus doesn’t show up in palaces—He shows up at tables.
**II. Meals in the Gospel: More Than Food**
20% of Jesus’ words happened around meals (Markus Barth). Luke’s Gospel is structured around meals (Crossan). Eating together in the ancient world = spiritual connection, acceptance, identity.
**III. Jesus Calls Levi—and Goes to a Party**
Levi (Matthew) was a tax collector—a hated collaborator. Jesus calls him before he cleans up. Grace first. Levi responds not with theology but hospitality—a banquet with “sinners.” Jesus joins the party, not reluctantly, but joyfully.
**IV. Jesus Redefines Holiness and Hospitality**
Pharisees object: “Why eat with sinners?” Jesus' response: The sick need a doctor. Table fellowship becomes a means of grace—God’s love through ordinary acts. Hospitality isn’t about changing others, but creating space where change can happen (Henri Nouwen).
**V. Holiness in the Methodist Tradition**
Wesley taught social holiness—faith is lived out in community. Tables become sanctuaries, homes become mission stations. True discipleship is lived around spaghetti-stained tables, not just in sanctuaries. Jesus still says, “Follow me,” at your table, in your life, among the least expected.
**Reflection Questions**
Who would be at your table if Jesus asked you to host a meal today? Who might surprise you?
*→ Challenge your assumptions about who belongs in your circle.*
How does your home reflect the hospitality and grace of Christ?
*→ Think practically: open invitations, shared meals, listening ears.*
What barriers—social, emotional, or spiritual—keep you from offering grace like Jesus?
*→ Name them. Then imagine what it would take to break them down.*
What is one simple way you can make your table a place of healing this week?
*→ It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just intentional.*
Do you find it easier to be like Levi, welcoming others, or like the Pharisees, questioning who belongs? Why?
*→ Be honest. Let God speak into that place.*
**Series: Come to the Table
Scripture: Luke 5:27–32**
*Theme: Jesus’ table is a place of radical grace, surprising inclusion, and divine transformation.*
I. **The Power of the Table in Divided Times**
Our nation feels more divided than united. People seek hope in politics and economics, but true transformation comes through surrendered lives and the Spirit of God. Jesus doesn’t show up in palaces—He shows up at tables.
**II. Meals in the Gospel: More Than Food**
20% of Jesus’ words happened around meals (Markus Barth). Luke’s Gospel is structured around meals (Crossan). Eating together in the ancient world = spiritual connection, acceptance, identity.
**III. Jesus Calls Levi—and Goes to a Party**
Levi (Matthew) was a tax collector—a hated collaborator. Jesus calls him before he cleans up. Grace first. Levi responds not with theology but hospitality—a banquet with “sinners.” Jesus joins the party, not reluctantly, but joyfully.
**IV. Jesus Redefines Holiness and Hospitality**
Pharisees object: “Why eat with sinners?” Jesus' response: The sick need a doctor. Table fellowship becomes a means of grace—God’s love through ordinary acts. Hospitality isn’t about changing others, but creating space where change can happen (Henri Nouwen).
**V. Holiness in the Methodist Tradition**
Wesley taught social holiness—faith is lived out in community. Tables become sanctuaries, homes become mission stations. True discipleship is lived around spaghetti-stained tables, not just in sanctuaries. Jesus still says, “Follow me,” at your table, in your life, among the least expected.
**Reflection Questions**
Who would be at your table if Jesus asked you to host a meal today? Who might surprise you?
*→ Challenge your assumptions about who belongs in your circle.*
How does your home reflect the hospitality and grace of Christ?
*→ Think practically: open invitations, shared meals, listening ears.*
What barriers—social, emotional, or spiritual—keep you from offering grace like Jesus?
*→ Name them. Then imagine what it would take to break them down.*
What is one simple way you can make your table a place of healing this week?
*→ It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just intentional.*
Do you find it easier to be like Levi, welcoming others, or like the Pharisees, questioning who belongs? Why?
*→ Be honest. Let God speak into that place.*
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