Everyday Radicals Week 1
1. Opening Connection (10 minutes)
Icebreaker – “What Feels Radical?”
Invite each person to briefly answer one of the following:
When you hear the word radical, what images or feelings come to mind?
Have you ever been labeled “too much,” “different,” or “out of step” for following Jesus or your convictions?
Leader note: Keep this light and relational. This sets up the re-framing of “radical” as fundamental change, not extremism.
2. Sermon Recap & Framing (5 minutes)
Share a short summary together (or have someone read this aloud):
In the sermon, we were reminded that the word radical was given (not assumed) to describe people who chose to submit to Jesus, imitate his way of life, and obey his teachings—even when it cost them status, safety, or acceptance. At Reunion, being “radically inclusive” means we take Jesus seriously, especially in how He welcomed people to his table. This kind of discipleship is not about disruption for disruption’s sake, but about embodying Christlike love in everyday life.
3. Scripture Reading (5 minutes)
Read Luke 5:27–32 aloud together, then continue with Luke 5:36–39.
4. Digging Deeper: Jesus and the Table (15 minutes)
Discussion Questions
Jesus calls Levi and then immediately shares a meal with him and his community.
Why do you think table fellowship was so significant—and so offensive—in Jesus’ time?
What do tables represent in our culture today?
The religious leaders label Levi and his friends as “scum.”
Where do we still see people categorized as “in” or “out” in religious spaces?
How does Jesus’ response challenge both exclusion and self-righteousness?
Pastor Wesley emphasized that “it’s not your table; it’s not my table—it’s Jesus’ table.”
How does this statement challenge our instinct to control who belongs?
Where might we be tempted to act as gatekeepers rather than guests?
5. New Wine, New Wineskins (Luke 5:36–39) (15 minutes)
Read Luke 5:36–39 again slowly.
Discussion Questions
Jesus describes something new that cannot simply be added onto the old.
What do you think the “old wineskins” represented for Jesus’ audience?
What might they represent in the church today?
Why do you think people often prefer the “old wine,” even when Jesus is offering something new?
Pastor Wesley noted that Jesus was not replacing one exclusionary table with another.
How does this teaching protect us from reacting in fear or bitterness when change feels threatening?
What does it look like to leave old ways behind without becoming dismissive or defensive?
6. Everyday Radicals: Witness Through Love (10 minutes)
Discussion Questions
The sermon made it clear: We are not radical to disturb people; we are radical by how we love people.
How does this reshape the way you think about Christian witness?
Can you think of a time when someone’s Christlike love—rather than their arguments—made faith compelling to you?
In your everyday contexts (home, work, school, neighbourhood):
What would it look like to follow Jesus in a way that is quietly but clearly different?
7. Practice & Application (10 minutes)
Choose one or two questions:
Where might Jesus be inviting you to “leave something behind” in order to follow him more fully?
Who might Jesus be inviting you to sit with, listen to, or make space for this week?
How can our group model the kind of table Jesus sets—safe, honest, inclusive, and shaped by love?
Optional group practice:
Consider planning a shared meal or intentional act of hospitality in the coming weeks as a concrete expression of this teaching.
8. Closing Prayer (5 minutes)
Close by praying together:
Gratitude for Jesus’ radical welcome
Courage to follow him when it feels uncomfortable
Love that reflects Christ rather than protects our preferences
You may wish to end with a simple refrain spoken together: “Jesus, we want to be with you, become like you, and love like you.”
