Matthew - Luke 5:27-39

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LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Summary: In this passage, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. This leads to criticism from the religious leaders, but Jesus explains that He came to call sinners to repentance, emphasizing that there is nobody beyond redemption. Through the encounter with Levi, Jesus teaches us about His mission of seeking and saving the lost. He shows us the importance of showing compassion and grace to those who are marginalized or rejected by society.

Application: This passage reminds us that no matter how sinful or unworthy we may feel, Jesus extends His offer of redemption to all. It challenges us to have a heart like Jesus, reaching out to those society may deem unreachable with the message of grace and salvation.

Big Idea: No one is beyond the reach of God's redemption and grace. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance and offers salvation to all who are willing to follow Him, no matter their background or past.

Background on Disciple: Matthew, the tax collector—also known as Levi—was the author of the Gospel of Matthew. Tax collectors were the most despised people in all Israel. For Matthew to be a Jewish tax collector, he likely was seen as the worst of the worst, hated and resented by fellow Jews. He was banned from the synagogue and forbidden to worship or sacrifice in the temple. Despite this, many speculate that Matthew knew the Old Testament well, as he quotes it 99 times—more than the other Gospels combined. One day, as Jesus passed by the tax office, He called Matthew to follow Him. Like many of the other disciples, Matthew’s first reaction to his calling was to introduce his friends to Jesus. In Matthew’s case, he hosted an enormous banquet of tax collectors in honor of Jesus.

1. Calling the Ostracized

Luke 5:27-32

Begin by reminding everyone of the calling of Levi, a tax collector viewed as a sinner and outcast by his society—he was collecting money from his fellow Jews to give to the Romans, which would have been seen as the utmost betrayal. This point highlights Jesus' intentional choice to reach out to those marginalized by the religious elite, illustrating the big idea that no one is beyond God's redemption. Jesus' actions fulfill His mission to call sinners to repentance, which was radical for its time and remains profound today.

QUESTION:

  • Why is it personally shocking for you that Jesus has or is calling you into relationship with Him? What surprises or amazes you most about the fact that Jesus invites you into a relationship with Him?
  • In what ways can we embrace the idea of being transformed by Christ, regardless of our past? Make it personal; don’t apply this to others—apply it to yourself.
  • How can we personally reflect Jesus' radical inclusivity in our daily interactions with others?
  • How do we balance radical inclusivity with woke culture? In other words, how can we show Jesus' love and acceptance to everyone we meet in our daily lives? How can we do this in a way that stays true to the Bible without just following modern culture?
  • How can we show God's love to our peers who might be struggling with feelings of unworthiness?

2. Challenging Old Paradigms

Luke 5:33-39

Transition to the criticism Jesus faces from the Pharisees and His response, using the parable of new wine in old wineskins. This underscores the theme that Jesus' approach to redemption and transformation is revolutionary, requiring a new paradigm that didn't fit within the existing religious structures. Some things don’t mix (e.g., feasting/fasting, new wine in old wineskins, Jesus’ teaching and pharisaical laws).

In this context, "old wineskins" refers to outdated habits, attitudes, or ways of thinking that no longer fit with the new life and mission Jesus calls us to. Just as old wineskins would burst if filled with new wine because they can't stretch, these "old ways" can hinder our ability to grow or effectively share the gospel with others. Consider, are you open to the transformative work of Jesus in your own life?

QUESTION:

  • What are some "old wineskins" in your life that may be hindering the mission of reaching the lost?
  • What old or unhelpful patterns in your life might be holding you back from fully participating in God’s mission to reach those who don’t know Him?
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