Groups Discussion Guide

Sermon: Jesus Calls Levi

Before You Meet:

Pray for your group members and the time you will spend together. Ask for guidance, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit’s presence as you lead and facilitate the discussion.
Review the Best Practices for leading a group. Doing this ensures you’re equipped to foster meaningful discussions and that your time together is purposeful and engaging.

Fellowship & Care:

Start with Food

Consider beginning your group time with a meal or snacks. Sharing food helps foster a sense of hospitality and creates an opportunity for everyone to serve one another as they contribute. It’s also a great way to break the ice, build trust, and deepen relationships. Who doesn’t love bonding over a good meal? Use this time to catch up on each other’s lives, engage in casual conversation, and ease into the group’s focus.

If you choose not to start with food, skip to the next section.

Ice Breakers:

What is your favorite family tradition or memory, especially related to Father's Day?
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
What is a fun or unique thing about your dad or a father figure in your life?

Highs & Lows:

Encourage everyone to share the highlights and challenges they’ve experienced this week. Consider asking:

What or who are you thankful for this week?
What has been a struggle or difficulty for you?

Recap:

Vision:

Remind the group of the shared purpose behind gathering. State the group’s mission to center the conversation, for example: "The purpose of this Group is to follow Jesus and become more like Him. Growth happens in community, on purpose."

Remember Last Time:

What key lesson did we learn in our last discussion?
How did you apply it to your life over the past week?
If you didn’t, what held you back from putting it into practice?

Understanding and Application:

Sermon Summary:

In the sermon titled "Jesus Calls Levi", Pastor helps us understand how Jesus actively seeks out those who the world has marginalized. Through the story of Levi, a tax collector, we see how Jesus’ love extends to those who feel far from God, reminding us that all are invited to His table, regardless of their past. This serves as a powerful reminder that with Jesus, hearts can be changed and new beginnings are possible.

Question #1

What do you think motivated Jesus to call Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him? (Mark 2:14)
- Understanding:
  
  Jesus saw the potential in Levi despite his past and social standing. This reveals how Jesus sees us beyond our mistakes and invites us into relationship.
- Application:
  
  Reflect on someone in your life who may feel marginalized. How can you extend Jesus' invitation of love to them this week?

Question #2

In what ways do you think Jesus' actions in sharing a meal with sinners challenge our understanding of who is 'worthy' of God's love? (Mark 2:15)
- Understanding:
  
  Jesus shows us that God's love is for everyone, regardless of their past actions or societal standing.
- Application:
  
  Consider how you might challenge any biases within yourself that prevent you from accepting others into your circle.

Question #3

Why do you think the Pharisees were so critical of Jesus' association with sinners? (Mark 2:16)
- Understanding:
  
  The Pharisees were concerned with maintaining their religious image and adhering to strict laws. Their judgment blinded them to the grace Jesus offered.
- Application:
  
  How can we ensure that our pursuit of righteousness doesn’t lead to judgment or exclusion of others?

Question #4

What does it mean for us to believe that "with Jesus, anything is possible"? (Mark 2:17)
- Understanding:
  
  This statement reinforces the transformative power of Jesus' love and grace in our lives. It's a reminder of hope for all situations.
- Application:
  
  Reflect on an area in your life where you need to believe for a miracle or change. How can you invite Jesus into that situation?

Prayer:

Tips for Prayer:

Ask for prayer requests, especially focusing on areas of need, concerns, or struggles group members are facing.
Encourage the group to reflect on any prayers that have been answered, and take a moment to give thanks to God together.
Invite others to pray. However, don’t call on or pressure anyone who isn’t comfortable praying aloud.

Prayer Prompts:

Ask God to…

Help you identify and extend grace to those who feel far from Him.
Give you courage to invite others to experience His love.
Transform your heart and the hearts of those around you through His grace.