By Dan Lentz

1. Was there a popular group or an “in” crowd when you were in school? What did it take to be in that group? Did other kids consider you popular?

Read Luke 14:7-18a, 21-24

2. How would you define humbleness according to these verses?

3. It’s easy to evaluate humbleness and pride in others, but how do you evaluate humbleness and pride in yourself?  

4. How do you discipline yourself to be humble?

5. One of the points of Jesus’ parable was to show that the religiously “in” crowd (the Jewish religious leaders) were not the only ones invited to be part of the kingdom of God. How can we apply this principle today?

6. How does this teaching change the way we look at outreach and our relationships with people?

7. Discuss ways your small group can reach out to more people. Plan an outreach project together. Perhaps invite others to join your group for a meal, a movie, or a game night. Be creative and look for ways to build relationships and grow. Pray now for the people you will be reaching.

Dan Lentz works for the Small Group Network in Whitestown, Indiana.

For more small group ministry resources, visit www.smallgroups.com.