Why Bring a Casserole to a Catered Feast?

Let’s be honest—religion loves a potluck. Bring your best behavior. Whip up a little self-improvement. Sprinkle in some tithing and tears. Then hopefully, you’ll earn a seat at the table.

But Jesus tells a different story in Luke 14. Grace doesn’t ask you to bring anything. It is the feast. Fully catered. No dishes. No duties. Just a wide-open invitation.

In this final message of our “Flipped” series, we unpack two scandalous parables that wreck the religious mindset and show who’s really invited—and how radically forgiven they are.

The outcasts get a hug. The sinners get a seat. And the self-righteous? They’re still in the kitchen, finishing their casserole.

Watch now and celebrate the outrageous goodness of God’s grace!

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think the original invitees rejected the banquet? What does this tell us about how some people respond to God’s grace?
2. How does this parable challenge the idea that God’s invitation is only for the “qualified”? What does it say about who is welcome?
3. If grace is truly a “banquet” already prepared, why do people still try to bring something to the table?
4. React to this statement: Drop your excuses and enjoy what God has freely given you!
5. Which debtor do you most identify with right now—the one forgiven little or the one forgiven much? How does your awareness of God’s forgiveness affect your love for Him and others?
6. Why do you think the Pharisee was so cold toward Jesus, while the woman was so expressive and emotional?
7. React to this statement: Those who are forgiven much, love much.
8. What meant the most to you from this message? Why?