#1 MEPHIBOSHETH

Saul’s son had a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled. 2 Samuel 4:4

“Don’t be afraid!” said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!” Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:6-8

Some Questions To Consider From The Story

1. Have You Ever Had a Mephibosheth Moment? (Mephibosheth means “son of shame” Merib- means “opponent of Baal”)

2. Have You Ever Felt You Where Living in Lo-Debar? (Lo-Debar – means “place of no bread”)

3. Have You Ever Felt Like You Were Worthless or Useless? (The word crippled -2 Samuel 9;3 is translated from the Hebrew word Makeh meaning “without use” or “useless” )

THE STORY OF MEPHIBOSHETH IS TRUE BUT IT IS ALSO AN ALLEGORY OF WHAT JESUS HAS DONE FOR YOU.

Like Mephibosheth-

You Are FALLEN & BROKEN

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

You Are PURSUED By A King

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but to save the world through him.” John 3:17

The Kings Table COVERS Your Sin

So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s own sons. 2 Samuel 9:11

You Are CHOSEN & INVITED To Sit At The Kings Table

And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right 30 to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. Luke 22:29-30

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• Discuss some unlikely ways you’ve seen God use unlikely people — either from Bible times or your own life? • Share a time when you saw something really great happen to someone who saw themselves as unworthy. • What part of Mephibosheth’s story connected with you? What do you feel like God is trying to say to you through this story? • Share a time when you were on the guest list of an important event. How do special invitations like that make you feel? • What was your “Mephibosheth” moment? What piece of your past left you feeling unworthy? • God says you’re chosen and invited. He pursues a relationship with you. How easy is it for you to internalize these truths? • The truth is, everyone is fallen and broken. How would it change the way you interact with others to see them the way God sees them? • How can you live more like a child of God? How can that truth change you?

To introduce some different perspectives into the conversation, consider reading one or two of these verses together. Ephesians 2:4-6 Ephesians 2:8-9 1 John 3:1-3 Romans 8:1 Romans 8:16-17 1 Peter 2:9

Next steps. What can you do this week to shift your mindset to line up more with the way God sees you? Who is someone you know who needs to know how God feels about them? How can you best invite them to come and sit down at the King's table with you?

Sources: Sam Roberts – Life Church Open Resource

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