Mark 2:13-17

Jesus calls us to follow him in spite of and because of our sin

Jesus calls us to follow him

Mark 2:14: And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

Levi is Matthew

Significance of calling a tax collector

What does is it look like to follow Jesus

Luke 5:28 and leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

Leave the old self? Your life should look different

Repenting and turning from sin

Faith marked by obedience

Might look different for different people, but this applies at every age

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Jesus called the disciples to follow him - they left their families, their occupations, and lived a life devoted to following Jesus; lives that included persecution and martyrdom.

Great Commission

Levi immediately hosts a meal

What is significant about a meal?

Builds relationships

Shows acceptance

One of the ways God has grown out church is through generous hospitality

In spite of our sin

Mark 2:15 And as he reclined at the table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.

The significance of Jesus calling a tax collector

Jesus was sharing a meal with tax collectors and sinners

Jesus called those people to follow him in spite of their sinful past.

Jesus calls us as well - despite our sins and our pasts

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

You are not too far from God’s grace

Because of our sin

Mark 2:16

Illustration about the man tricking the eye doctor

Mark 2:17

The Pharisees miss the point

Romans 3:10 There is no one righteous, not even one

We want to avoid an attitude like the Pharisees

We are all sinners desperately in need of salvation

That is exactly why God sent his son to die for us - to redeem his sinful people

We cannot follow Christ without a proper perspective on our sin

Gospel presentation