Lean In // 5 minutes
What are some of the more creative ways you’ve seen or heard of people being invited to an event or occasion?
Sample events or occasions may include…
- Prom
- Birthday parties
- Weeding
- Engagement
- Dances, dates
Look Down // 10 minutes
Read Luke 5:21-32
What do others (outside of Jesus) see in Levi?
Sample answers may include…
- A tax collector. Tax collectors were despised. They worked with the Romans against the Jews. They were seen as greedy traitors. (v.27)
- Crazy. He left his position of wealth and influence to follow Jesus. (v.28)
- Influential. He had a lot of friends within his trade. (v.29)
- Sinner, scum, morally “sick” and “contagious.” (v.30-32)
What does Jesus see in Levi?
Commentary: Remind your group of the context presented in the message. As a Rabbi, Jesus reputation would be largely based on the quality of his students. Rabbis would only select the best of the best ensuring that their status would be maintained and respected. Jesus looks beyond the standards of culture. In selected Levi to follow him he is saying, “come learn from me, I believe you can be like me!”
Sample answers may include…
- Someone who can be like him (v.27)
- A person of influence (v.29)
What do you learn about Jesus’ mission?
- He invites others into his mission (v.27)
- He’s not afraid to associate with “sinners” or “scum.” (v.29)
- He makes time to be with people (v.29)
- It upsets “religious” people (v.30)
- He pursues and offers healing to the “sick” and not those who think they are “well” or “clean.” (v.31)
Look Out // 10 minutes
What makes a great party?
Who do you know that throws the best parties?
Leader Note: After the group has discussed this question tie Levi’s response to encountering Jesus. Levi threw a “meet Jesus party” to celebrate the change in his life.
Look In // 20 minutes
Who are the people in your life that you want to meet Jesus?
What prevents you from reaching out to them?
What kind of “party” could you invite them to?
Leader Note: Sharing our faith with others can often be intimidating. Jesus, along with Levi model to us what it could look like to reach out to others in a way that is relational. What type of gathering moments could you create to display your faith in the same way?
Sample answers may include…
- Graduation party
- Birthday party
- Movie night
- BBQ
- Children’s play day
- Neighborhood dessert and coffee night
- Sports activity or viewing party
Live It Out // 5 minutes
How would your faith change if you lived this way?
How would others be impacted?
Prayer: Father we thank you that you model for us in Jesus what it looks like to invite others into your story of freedom and salvation. We pray for courage to reach out to those around us who don’t know you. We ask for an increased desire to join you on your mission to seek and save the lost. Make us bold; make us contagious for your cause. Let our lives be a living example of who are and what you’ve done in us. Amen.