Middle School Week 1 (November 19): At the Table
Series Overview – At the Table
Jesus met people where they were — in everyday spaces like meals — and through compassion and presence, He invited them into new life.
Series Verses:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Luke 19:5-7
Discussion Goal:
Influence starts when you notice others, care about what they need, and make space where others feel welcomed.
Start Talking (Conversation Starter):
If you could have dinner with any three people (famous, fictional, or from history), who would you invite to your table?
Optional activity: Influence Spotlight
Tell the group you’re each going to point out a way someone in the group has influenced you. You start by saying something positive about another person in the group — something you’ve noticed about them that has influenced you. (e.g., “I noticed Jordan always helps clean up after group, and it makes me want to do the same in other places I go.”) As soon as someone is “put in the spotlight,” they’ll choose who to spotlight next — they now have to notice someone else and say something that person has done to influence them in a positive way. Keep the “spotlight” moving fast around the group until everyone has been noticed at least once.
Encourage students to be specific — help them see real influence can happen even through little things.
Think It Through (and Talk It Out)
Leader Tip: Choose questions that resonate with your group’s age, experiences, and current understanding. There’s no pressure to cover all the questions — pick the ones that fit your group the best.
Read Luke 19:1-10. What stands out to you about how Jesus treats Zacchaeus? (e.g., noticing him, calling out to him, going to his house to spend time at his table, etc.) Why do you think that mattered to Zacchaeus?
Think about your own life — when has someone made you feel welcomed and seen? What did they do that made you feel that way?
Jesus was authentic (real), cared about others, and had intentional conversations with others. Which of these is easiest for you? Which one is hard? Why?
Jesus didn’t just see Zacchaeus — He stopped, called him by name, and spent time with him around his table. What’s one simple way you could show someone this week that they’re worth your time?
Inviting Jesus to our table is about giving Him access to our lives and everyday spaces. What’s a specific way or area where you need to invite Jesus to your table?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for showing us what it looks like to have compassion in everyday interactions. Open our eyes to ways we can show up for those around us. Give us the courage to see and treat others as You would, not as the world does. In Your name we pray, amen.
Additional Questions
Read Romans 1:16. Sharing our faith is an important way for us to connect with people. What are some “tables” you sit at? (e.g., lunch table with friends, desks with classmates, benches with teammates, breakfast table with family, holiday dinner table with extended family and friends, etc.)
Share some things that might hold you back from showing your faith openly in those spaces. What could courage in sharing your faith look like at those tables?
Jesus chose to connect with people who others looked down on or avoided. Why do you think He was willing to risk His reputation for those who were “unpopular” or “sinners”?
When we make space for others, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable or awkward. Why do you think it’s still worth it to include someone who’s left out or different from you?
How can noticing others change the way you see your family members, school, team, or friend group? What might look different if you started to see people the way Jesus does?