It would be difficult to accept the challenge of discipleship if Jesus were like the host of an exclusive party who only welcomed a select few. Rather, Jesus offers an invitation of discipleship to all. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes this point more than others. It is sometimes called the "social Gospel" because it focuses on Jesus' acceptance of those people who have been neglected by society.
Divide the class into four groups. Assign each group one of the following passages from the Gospel of Luke. Ask them to read the passage and discuss it in light of the following question: "What does this passage tell me about how I should treat other people"? Call on a representative from each group to summarize the parable and their group's responses. Record the responses on a board under the heading "How We Are to Welcome Others."
Gospel Passages
- The parable of the rich fool—Luke 12:16-21
- The parable of the dishonest steward—Luke 16:1-8
- The cleansing of ten Lepers—Luke 17:11-19
- Zacchaeus the tax collector—Luke 19:1-10
