November 2016 Video & Discussion: “Compel Them to Come In?” – Bart Tarman

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In this talk from our 2016 Simply Jesus Gathering, Bart Tarman reflects upon Jesus’ description of the banquet host who told his servants to “compel”, or force, people to come in. What does this mean and could this truly be the action of a loving God? We hope you get to know Jesus just a little bit more as you watch and discuss.

Questions.

1. “Jesus had beliefs, and his actions were always 100% in sync with his beliefs.” Bart identified at least 57 beliefs of Jesus. Considering what you know about both Jesus’ words, and actions, what do you think Jesus believed?
2. In Bart’s retelling of Jesus’ banquet story from Luke 14, he describes the angry host sending out servants to compel (pull, persuade, force) people to come. The words and actions convey a sense of urgency and intensity. Why do you think the host is angry, and is it right/good for him to compel people to come in? Why?
3. Bart makes a suggestion as to why a loving God would compel people to come into a good place. Do you agree with his suggestion?
4. Where do you see yourself in this story? A guest who declines the invitation? A servant? One out by the “hedgerows”? Someone else? Is there a “key” that Jesus, the sage, may be leaving to you through this story?
5. Has this story caused you to recognize anything that you think you “believe”, but do not act upon?