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The Call of Levi (Matthew): Difference between revisions
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# '''The Table as a Symbol of the New Covenant''' – The meal represents the '''marriage supper of the Lamb''', where Christ teaches the explosion of doctrine after the cross; making himself known in the OT. The old was killing a sacrifice, the new is eating/teaching. | # '''The Table as a Symbol of the New Covenant''' – The meal represents the '''marriage supper of the Lamb''', where Christ teaches the explosion of doctrine after the cross; making himself known in the OT. The old was killing a sacrifice, the new is eating/teaching. | ||
# '''Mercy Over Sacrifice''' – Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:13 are not just a rebuke to the Pharisees; they reveal the '''heart of the cross''', where He provides mercy instead of demanding sacrifice. | # '''Mercy Over Sacrifice''' – Jesus’ words in Matthew 9:13 are not just a rebuke to the Pharisees; they reveal the '''heart of the cross''', where He provides mercy instead of demanding sacrifice. | ||
== '''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:''' | |||
# '''Jesus calls Levi (Matthew).''' | |||
# '''Levi leaves everything and follows Jesus.''' | |||
# '''A feast with tax collectors and sinners follows.''' | |||
# '''The Pharisees question why Jesus eats with sinners.''' | |||
# '''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 | |||
