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Welcome to the first message in our Lenten worship series, "A Place at the Table." In this week's sermon, Pastor Ken Curtis explores the power of gathering around a table and the transformative dinner party found in Luke 7. 

When Jesus accepts an invitation to dine at the home of Simon the Pharisee, the socially acceptable gathering is quickly interrupted by an uninvited guest — a woman known to the city as a sinner. Like the guests at the dinner, we are forced to examine our own hearts. Do we identify more with the judgmental, morally superior Simon, or the desperate, uninvited woman? 

In this message, we discover how Jesus sees past our labels and past our mistakes, recognizing our undiminished worth. Whether you feel broken, ashamed, or even a little self-righteous, there is room for you at God's table.

Sermon Reflections:

• Pastor Ken points out that tables are often at the center of our most important life events, from birthdays to funerals. How have tables played a role in fostering connection and community in your own life?
• Simon the Pharisee was dedicated to God but focused so much on external rules that he missed love and grace. In what ways do you catch yourself acting like Simon — feeling morally superior, judging based on appearances, or assuming the worst about others?
• The uninvited woman risked tremendous social scandal to anoint Jesus' feet in a room full of religious leaders who despised her. What do you think drove her to overcome the fear of their judgment?
• Jesus asks Simon, "Do you see this woman?" pointing out that Simon saw a label of a sinner, while Jesus saw a child of God. Who are the people in our society today that are often reduced to categories, stereotypes, or generalizations?
• Reflecting on the illustration of the crumpled, dirty $20 bill, how does it change your perspective to know that your worth in God's eyes remains undiminished regardless of your past mistakes?
• Jesus proclaimed forgiveness aloud so that both the broken woman and the self-righteous Pharisees could hear it. Why is it crucial to remember that everyone — regardless of their background or current standing — is in need of Jesus' invitation to the table?

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