Big Idea: Because of God’s faithful, loyal, promise-keeping love, we are given a seat at the king’s table.

            2 Samuel 8:15, 9:1

            1 Samuel 20:14-15

            2 Samuel 9:3b, 6-13

Hesed: faithful, loyal, promise-keeping love.

Because of David’s faithful, loyal, promise-keeping love, Mephibosheth is given a seat at the king’s table.

            Exodus 34:6

Because of God’s faithful, loyal, promise-keeping love, we are given a seat at the king’s table.

We will only take our seat at the king’s table when we when we recognize our need.

            James 4:6

Message Questions

We’re in a year-long journey through the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, tracing the rise, reign, and legacy of Israel’s most famous king. We’ll see the story of how God works through real people with real flaws to accomplish his purposes. This week we are in 2 Samuel 9, and the big idea is: Because of God’s faithful, loyal, promise-keeping love, we are given a seat at the king’s table. 

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. Have someone read 2 Samuel 9:1 and 1 Samuel 20:14-15. David begins his reign by looking for someone to whom he can show kindness because of a promise made years earlier. How does David’s commitment to this old covenant, even when Saul’s family was technically a threat to his throne, demonstrate the difference between worldly power and godly character?
2. Have someone read 2 Samuel 9:6-8. Mephibosheth identifies himself as a "dead dog," showing he expected judgment rather than a seat at the table. Why is it so difficult for us to accept radical grace when we feel unworthy, and how does David’s command to "not be afraid" mirror the way God invites us into his kingdom?
3. Have someone read 2 Samuel 9:11-13. The text emphasizes that Mephibosheth ate at the table "just like one of the king’s sons." How does this transition from being a hiding fugitive to being a royal family member illustrate the sermon’s point that adoption is based entirely on the king’s grace rather than the guest’s ability?
4. The sermon highlighted that we often struggle to receive grace because we would rather be the host with the mansion than the guest in need. In what specific area of your life are you still trying to "be the king" of your own security, and how can you grow in the humility required to simply sit and receive what God has done for you?
5. Since David actively searched for someone from an enemy household to bless, how can you go and extend an invitation to someone in your life who feels like an outsider or an enemy, showing them that their past does not disqualify them from a seat at the king’s table?