The Heart of Jesus

The Heart of Jesus: Welcoming All

Bible Passage: Mark 2:13-17

Summary: In Mark 2:13-17, we see Jesus at a pivotal moment of His ministry when He calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. This act challenges societal norms and reveals Jesus' mission to bring redemption to those considered sinners. The passage illustrates that Jesus is not concerned with social status but prioritizes the heart of individuals, demonstrating that everyone is valuable and worthy of His grace, regardless of their past choices or societal labels.

Application: This sermon aims to empower children to look beyond appearances and others' mistakes. It teaches them that, like Jesus, they can offer friendship and love to anyone, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment among their peers, encouraging them to bring their classmates together.

Teaching: Through this passage, kids will learn that Jesus loves and accepts all people and emphasizes the importance of mercy and grace. It teaches them that they can be like Jesus by reaching out to those who might be overlooked or excluded, embodying the true spirit of friendship and acceptance.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage is a beautiful representation of Jesus' mission as the Savior of the world, extending grace and love to the marginalized. Throughout Scripture, we see God's desire to restore relationships, with Jesus ultimately embodying this theme as He reaches out to sinners, fulfilling the prophecies of a Messiah who came to bring redemption to all.

Big Idea: Jesus teaches us that true acceptance means reaching out to those whom society may ignore, reminding us that every person has dignity and a place in God's family, regardless of their past.

Recommended Study: In preparing your sermon, consider exploring the specific cultural context of tax collectors in the first-century Jewish world, as understanding their societal role will deepen the message for children. Look into how Jesus’ interactions with sinners throughout the Gospels involved confrontation of the self-righteous attitudes of the Pharisees, which can enrich your sermon with contrasting themes of grace versus judgment. Your Logos library can also provide insights into the theological implications of Jesus' dining with outcasts, helping to clarify how this scene fits into the broader narrative of redemption.

Big Idea: Jesus teaches us that true acceptance means reaching out to those whom society may ignore, reminding us that every person has dignity and a place in God's family, regardless of their past.

Being alone, having no one to play with, being made fun of

Then suddenly someone is willing to invite you to play, to teach you the rules

1. Walk With Worthiness

Mark 2:13-15

You could focus on how Jesus was willing to walk with anyone, and he called Levi, a tax collector, despite his social status.

Discuss how Jesus' actions encourage us to see everyone as valuable and worthy of friendship.

Growing up Poor, Clothes was more used, wave hi at someone but they're waving at someone else

A kid who is being made fun of who sits alone at

This teaches children to be welcoming, just like Jesus, who walked with Levi as an equal, and ignored societal labels that a person may carry.

In church, during service or Sunday school, you may meet new kids who look shy or uncomfortable. Approach them with a warm smile and introduce yourself. Ask them to sit with you or invite them to join in an activity. This simple act of reaching out can help them feel welcome and loved, reinforcing the idea that every person holds value in God’s family.

2. Dine with Dignity

Mark 2:16-17

emphasize how Jesus' dining with sinners reflects his mission of healing and redemption.

A child brought in a broken toy for show-and-tell. Instead of tossing it away, he said, 'I’m going to fix this!' He spent the whole afternoon trying to make it better. This became a teaching moment on how Jesus wants us to look at our brokenness—He helps us fix it and gives us a chance to be new, just like that toy!

ABSOLutely loving my broken Spiderman/batman toy

His response to the Pharisees shows us that he came for those who are in need of his love, teaching children to offer kindness to everyone, understanding each person’s value in God’s eyes.

Discuss how Jesus sees beyond mistakes, challenging us to do the same and lift each other up with compassion and acceptance.

Questions?

How has Jesus been faithful to you this week?

Can you think of a time when you welcomed someone new or different into your group of friends?

In what ways can you be like Jesus and reach out to friends who need support?

How can you help someone fix their broken toy or situation?