If you have a table you have a mission field - Tim Horman
On Sunday, Tim Horman shared the final part in our Mission Month series by again taking us to ‘The Table’ (the theme of our mission month) by looking at Luke 7:33-50. Below you’ll find a summary of Tim’s message as well as some questions for personal reflection and small group discussion.
This week, we're diving into a powerful message from our very own Tim Horman, taken from our recent sermon series, The Table. Today, we're exploring a deeply moving story from Luke 7:33-50, where Jesus shows us the true meaning of radical welcome and transforming grace.
In this post, we'll unpack this incredible biblical account, see how it applies to our modern lives, and offer some practical ways to live out its message this week. You can find the full sermon audio and video below, just after this introduction.
Understanding the Message: A Tale of Two Diners
Imagine this: Jesus, known for hanging out with all sorts of people, gets an invitation to dinner at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. Now, Pharisees were the religious elite of the day, very concerned with rules and appearances. It was a big deal for Jesus to be there.
As Jesus is reclining at the table, something truly unexpected happens. A woman, known in the town for living a "sinful life," hears Jesus is there. She bravely enters Simon's house with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume. Overcome with emotion, she kneels behind Jesus, weeping so much that her tears wet his feet. She then wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and pours the precious perfume on them.
Now, Simon, the host, sees all of this and thinks to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." He's basically disgusted, thinking this woman is contaminating his home and, by extension, Jesus.
But Jesus, knowing Simon's thoughts, tells him a parable about two debtors. One owed a huge amount, and the other a smaller one. Neither could pay, so the moneylender forgave both debts. Jesus then asks Simon, "Which of them will love him more?" Simon correctly answers, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven."
Jesus then turns to the woman and contrasts her actions with Simon's. Simon hadn't offered the customary hospitality – no water for feet, no kiss of greeting, no oil for his head. Yet, this woman, despite her reputation, had shown immense love and devotion.
"Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little."
Jesus then declares to the woman, "Your sins are forgiven." And to the surprise of everyone there, he adds, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."
This story is a powerful reminder that God's grace isn't about how "good" we are or how much we think we deserve it. It's about recognising our need and responding with love and thankfulness.
Connecting to Our Lives: The Power of Messy Grace
It's easy for us, like Simon, to get caught up in appearances and what we think is "right" or "proper." We might unknowingly create barriers, deciding who is "worthy" of our time or our welcome. But as Tim reminded us, Jesus' ministry was often about challenging those very notions.
The Pharisees believed that eating with "unclean" people would make them ritually impure. They missed the profound irony that Jesus, God with us, didn't just tolerate those people; he loved them and genuinely enjoyed their company. He wasn't afraid of being "tainted" by their sinfulness. Instead, he brought cleansing and healing.
Think about it: have you ever felt like you're on the "outs," looking in? Or perhaps you've been a bit like Simon, hesitant to truly welcome someone who doesn't quite fit your mould? Jesus shows us that the kingdom of God is messy! It's not a tidy, predictable place like a cemetery (where everyone's dead!), but more like a bustling nursery, full of life, noise, and yes, a bit of chaos. But in that mess, there's life!
"If you come to Christ looking for mercy, looking for freedom, looking for healing, looking for forgiveness, you will find it. He will never turn you away ever, no matter how much you might need or how unworthy you might feel."
Tim shared a truly incredible story about Caleb Campbell, a former neo-Nazi whose life was transformed through simple, consistent hospitality at a table. Caleb’s story reminds us that even those we might find "objectionable" are people God loves and desires to reach. It wasn't through condemnation or a strict lecture that Caleb found Jesus, but through genuine friendship and a safe space to explore his beliefs.
This story highlights a beautiful truth: Jesus set exponentially more tables than he flipped over! Our tables, our homes, can be powerful mission fields. It's not about having the perfect home, cooking gourmet meals, or being the "best" host. It's about creating space for God to work through you.
Opening Our Tables, Opening Our Hearts
The story in Luke 7 encourages us to consider the depth of grace we've received and how that overflows into our love for God and others. When we truly grasp how much we've been forgiven, it compels us to reach out, to welcome, and to love extravagantly, just like the woman in the story.
One Way to Live it Out:
This week, intentionally think of one person you could invite to share a meal with you, either at your home or a local café. It doesn't have to be fancy; just create a space to connect, listen, and share. Trust that God can use even the simplest act of hospitality.
A Short Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the power of your radical welcome and transforming grace. Help us to see others through your eyes, to overcome our fears and insecurities, and to open our homes and our hearts. May our tables become places where your love is known and lives are changed. Amen.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
For Personal Reflection:
How does the story of the sinful woman at Simon's house challenge your own ideas about who is "worthy" of grace or welcome?
When was the last time you felt truly thankful for the grace you’ve received from Jesus, in a way that prompted an outpouring of love or worship?
For Small Group Discussion:
What stands out to you most from the story in Luke 7:33-50, and why?
The Pharisees felt disgust at Jesus' interactions. Can you think of times when you might have felt a similar "disgust" or discomfort towards certain people or situations? How might Jesus challenge that feeling?
Tim said, "The kingdom of God is messy." What does that mean to you, and how does it contrast with what we sometimes expect the Church or faith to look like?
Tim shared the story of Caleb Campbell, the former neo-Nazi, whose life was transformed through hospitality. What makes that story so powerful?
Why do you think Jesus "set exponentially more tables than he flipped over"? How does that inform how we should approach mission and evangelism?
"If you have a table, you have a mission field." What are some of the barriers (e.g., insecurities about your home, cooking, or being a "good enough" host/person) that might stop you from inviting someone to your table?
What's one practical step your group could take this week to live out "table ministry" in your community?
Take some time to pray for courage and opportunities to open your tables and your hearts to those around you who need to experience Jesus' love.