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| [[ GSG: {{{PAGENAME}}} ]] | | [[ GSG: {{{PAGENAME}}} ]] |
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| == '''Group Study Guide: The Call of Levi (Matthew)''' ==
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| '''Scripture Passages:'''
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| * Mark 2:13-17
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| * Matthew 9:9-13
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| * Luke 5:27-32
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| ----
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| === '''Opening Discussion:''' ===
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| * Have you ever felt unworthy of God’s calling? How did you respond?
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| * What do you think it means to follow Jesus?
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| ----
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| === '''Part 1: Observing the Passage''' ===
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| '''Read Mark 2:13-17, Matthew 9:9-13, and Luke 5:27-32 aloud.'''
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| Discuss:
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| * What are the common elements in all three accounts?
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| * What differences do you notice?
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| '''Key Common Elements:'''
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| # '''Jesus calls Levi (Matthew).'''
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| # '''Levi leaves everything and follows Jesus.'''
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| # '''A feast with tax collectors and sinners follows.'''
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| # '''The Pharisees question why Jesus eats with sinners.'''
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| # '''Jesus responds, saying He came for sinners, not the righteous.'''
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| '''Key Differences:'''
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| * Mark emphasizes that '''many''' tax collectors and sinners were following Jesus.
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| * Matthew refers to Levi as '''Matthew''', making it more personal.
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| * Matthew includes Jesus’ reference to '''Hosea 6:6''': “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”
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| * Luke highlights that Levi '''“left everything”''' before following Jesus.
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| * Luke adds “to repentance” in Jesus’ response, emphasizing transformation.
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| ----
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| === '''Part 2: Understanding the Message''' ===
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| ==== '''1. Jesus’ Call and Our Response''' ====
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| * Why do you think Levi followed Jesus immediately?
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| * What does it mean for us to “leave everything” and follow Jesus today?
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| '''Reflection:''' Jesus calls not just the “qualified” but the outcasts and sinners. His call is transformative, requiring a response.
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| ==== '''2. The Table as a Symbol of Grace''' ====
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| * Why did the Pharisees object to Jesus dining with sinners?
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| * How does Jesus’ response reveal His mission?
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| '''Reflection:''' The table represents '''acceptance''' and the '''New Covenant'''. Jesus invites the unworthy to dine with Him, just as He does in the kingdom.
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| ==== '''3. Mercy Over Sacrifice''' ====
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| * Read Hosea 6:6. What does “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” mean?
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| * How does this contrast the Pharisees’ attitude with Jesus’ teaching?
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| '''Reflection:''' God values '''mercy and love''' over religious ritual. Jesus came to '''restore sinners''', not to condemn them.
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| ----
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| === '''Part 3: Applying the Message''' ===
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| * In what ways do we struggle with accepting God’s mercy?
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| * How can we model Jesus’ example in welcoming outcasts?
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| * What does true discipleship look like in your life?
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| '''Challenge for the Week:'''
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| * Identify one way to extend mercy instead of judgment this week.
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| * Spend time in prayer, asking God to help you leave behind anything that hinders following Him fully.
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| ----
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| === '''Closing Prayer''' ===
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| '''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.
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| '''Memory Verse:'''
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| ''“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
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