Jesus Came to Call Sinners (Mark 1:40 - 2:17)
Group Guides | Sharing the gospel, sharing our lives (1 Thessalonians 2:8)
By way of introduction: What are some things in our society that people think make us “unclean”, or “unacceptable”?
Read Mark 1:40 - 2:22
A leper has his life changed, by Jesus (Mark 1:45). How does looking at the leper’s response help us reflect upon our own response to Jesus?
Controversy is sparked because this man Jesus forgives the sins of the paralytic (2:6). Why is that controversial and yet so clear for those to see what is really going on? (Mark 2:10 is helpful)
Jesus doesn’t just call sinners, what else does he do with them in the scene of Mark 2:15-17? What is so significant about this for Jesus, and how could that shape our ministry as a church?
The slave-trader who became a pastor, John Newtown, said when he was 82, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner – and that Christ is a great Saviour!” As we reflect on this episode in Mark’s Gospel, why is it so liberating to confess that we are sinners?
When Jesus calls sinners to follow him, what does that mean for their life of sin? Have a look at Romans 6:15-23. How does he cleanse, restore and call us today?
Pray for one another, as fellow sinners who “recline at table together” with Jesus.