GSG: The Call of Levi (Matthew)

From 2nd Book
Revision as of 05:26, 29 March 2025 by Pig (talk | contribs) (Created page with " =='''Group Study Guide: The Call of Levi (Matthew)'''== '''Scripture Passages:''' *Mark 2:13-17 *Matthew 9:9-13 *Luke 5:27-32 ---- ==='''Opening Discussion:'''=== *Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s calling? How did you respond? *What do you think it means to follow Jesus? ---- ==='''Part 1: Observing the Passage'''=== '''Read Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, and Luke 5:27-32 aloud.''' Discuss: *What are the common elements in all three accounts? *What differences do...")
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigationJump to search

Group Study Guide: The Call of Levi (Matthew)

Scripture Passages:

  • Mark 2:13-17
  • Matthew 9:9-13
  • Luke 5:27-32

Opening Discussion:

  • Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s calling? How did you respond?
  • What do you think it means to follow Jesus?

Part 1: Observing the Passage

Read Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, and Luke 5:27-32 aloud.

Discuss:

  • What are the common elements in all three accounts?
  • What differences do you notice?

Key Common Elements:

  1. Jesus calls Levi (Matthew).
  2. Levi leaves everything and follows Jesus.
  3. A feast with tax collectors and sinners follows.
  4. The Pharisees question why Jesus eats with sinners.
  5. Jesus responds, saying He came for sinners, not the righteous.

Key Differences:

  • Mark emphasizes that many tax collectors and sinners were following Jesus.
  • Matthew refers to Levi as Matthew, making it more personal.
  • Matthew includes Jesus’ reference to Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
  • Luke highlights that Levi “left everything” before following Jesus.
  • Luke adds “to repentance” in Jesus’ response, emphasizing transformation.

Part 2: Understanding the Message

1. Jesus’ Call and Our Response

  • Why do you think Levi followed Jesus immediately?
  • What does it mean for us to “leave everything” and follow Jesus today?

Reflection: Jesus calls not just the “qualified” but the outcasts and sinners. His call is transformative, requiring a response.

2. The Table as a Symbol of Grace

  • Why did the Pharisees object to Jesus dining with sinners?
  • How does Jesus’ response reveal His mission?

Reflection: The table represents acceptance and the New Covenant. Jesus invites the unworthy to dine with Him, just as He does in the kingdom.

3. Mercy Over Sacrifice

  • Read Hosea 6:6. What does “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” mean?
  • How does this contrast the Pharisees’ attitude with Jesus’ teaching?

Reflection: God values mercy and love over religious ritual. Jesus came to restore sinners, not to condemn them.

Part 3: Applying the Message

  • In what ways do we struggle with accepting God’s mercy?
  • How can we model Jesus’ example in welcoming outcasts?
  • What does true discipleship look like in your life?

Challenge for the Week:

  • Identify one way to extend mercy instead of judgment this week.
  • Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you leave behind anything that hinders following Him fully.

Closing Prayer

Thank God for His mercy in calling us despite our flaws. Ask Him to give us a heart that welcomes others as Jesus did. Pray for the strength to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Memory Verse:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:31-32

Retrieved from "https://2ndbook.org/w/index.php?title=GSG:_The_Call_of_Levi_(Matthew)&oldid=15358"