In what ways can we follow Jesus' example in reaching out to sinners? The Scene: Luke 5:27 “After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth. ‘Follow Me,’ He told him.” Noticing the Lost • Jesus “saw” Levi—He looked beyond the occupation and reputation to the person’s need. • Application: Cultivate eyes that notice those society brushes aside—coworkers, neighbors, classmates whose lifestyles are far from God. Supporting verse: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Initiating Contact • Jesus went out; He didn’t wait for Levi to come to synagogue first. • He spoke first with a clear invitation: “Follow Me.” Practical steps: – Step outside church walls—community events, coffee shops, social gatherings. – Start genuine conversations; simple friendliness opens doors for gospel bridges. Supporting verse: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19) Offering Simple, Direct Invitation • No long speech, just two words that conveyed relationship and direction. • We can extend concise, heartfelt invitations—“Would you like to read the Bible with me?” or “Come with me to church Sunday.” Supporting verse: “Come and see.” (John 1:46) Showing Acceptance without Approval of Sin • By sitting at Levi’s table (v. 29), Jesus affirmed Levi’s worth while calling him to repentance. • We can share meals, listen to stories, and still hold to biblical truth. Supporting verse: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12) Rejoicing in Transformation • Levi hosted a banquet; joy followed obedience. • Celebrate even small steps friends take toward Christ—invite testimonies, share encouragement. Supporting verse: “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10) Facing Religious Resistance Gracefully • Pharisees grumbled (v. 30), yet Jesus stayed mission-focused. • Expect criticism—inside and outside church—and respond with truth and grace. Supporting verse: “Always be ready to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Living a Lifestyle of Mercy • Jesus explained His motive: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (v. 32) • Our motive echoes His: mercy that leads to repentance. Supporting verse: “The kindness of God leads you to repentance.” (Romans 2:4) Adapting without Compromising • Paul followed Jesus’ model: “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22) • Adapt language, setting, and methods; never adapt the message. Practical Takeaways This Week 1. Identify one “Levi” in your life—by name—pray for them daily. 2. Initiate a casual meet-up: coffee, lunch, a walk. 3. Share a brief personal story of how Jesus impacted you. 4. Invite them to take the next step: Bible reading, small group, Sunday service. 5. Celebrate any movement toward Christ, no matter how small. Closing Thought Following Jesus’ example means seeing people as He sees them, stepping into their world, speaking invitational words, and trusting God to do the transforming work. |