Defiance: Embracing Jesus' Call to the Outcasts
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we are kicking off a summer sermon series titled "Defiance." Often, defiance carries a negative connotation, but in this series, we will explore it as standing up for what is right in a culture that often tells us otherwise. We will delve into the book of Mark, focusing on how Jesus defies cultural norms and what that means for us today. Mark's gospel, the earliest of the four, is action-packed and focuses on what Jesus does. It was written to the Romans during a time of persecution and is divided into two major sections: the miracles of Jesus and His suffering and crucifixion. Two significant themes in Mark are the cross and discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus involves suffering but also brings hope and encouragement.
We begin by looking at the call of Levi, a tax collector, and the meal Jesus shares with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus defies cultural and religious norms by associating with those considered outcasts. In Capernaum, a commercial hub, Jesus sees Levi at the tax collector's booth. Despite Levi's reputation, Jesus sees his potential and calls him to follow. This is significant because rabbis typically did not seek out disciples; people sought them. Jesus flips the script by calling His disciples into a relationship, emphasizing that following Him involves risk and cost.
Levi's response is immediate; he leaves everything behind to follow Jesus. This decision signifies a break from his past life and a commitment to a new identity. The scene then shifts to a banquet at Levi's house, where Jesus dines with many tax collectors and sinners. This act of reclining at the table signifies a feast, not just a meal, and it draws the ire of the Pharisees. They criticize Jesus for associating with those they consider unworthy of God's grace. However, Jesus responds with a proverb, stating that He has come not for the righteous but for sinners, emphasizing His mission to heal and call those who recognize their need for salvation.
Jesus' actions at this meal foreshadow the kingdom of God, a place where all are welcome, and every tribe, tongue, and nation will be united in His presence. This vision of the kingdom makes our present struggles more manageable, reminding us that Jesus has overcome the world and will ultimately restore us. As disciples, we are called to extend this love and compassion to others, even those who are different from us or with whom we have strained relationships. Being a disciple requires determination and a willingness to stand against cultural norms, just as Jesus did.
In conclusion, Jesus' defiance of cultural and religious norms serves as a model for us. He calls us to see people not for who they are but for who they can become. He invites us into a life rich with purpose, where we are His image-bearers, reflecting His glory and love to the world. May God's peace and strength be with us as we strive to live out this calling.
### Key Takeaways
1. Defiance in Faith: Defiance often carries a negative connotation, but in the context of faith, it means standing up for what is right in a culture that often tells us otherwise. This summer, we will explore how Jesus defied cultural norms and what that means for us today. By studying the book of Mark, we will see that following Jesus involves both suffering and hope, encouraging us to stand firm in our faith. [01:28]
2. Jesus Sees Potential: When Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, He saw beyond Levi's current state and recognized his potential. Jesus didn't see a sinner needing condemnation but a future disciple and evangelist. This teaches us that Jesus sees in us what no one else can and transforms us into what we were intended to be—image-bearers who reflect His glory. [06:41]
3. The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus involves risk and cost. Levi left behind his security, comfort, and identity to follow Jesus. This act of leaving everything behind signifies a commitment to a new life and purpose. As disciples, we are called to make similar sacrifices, trusting that Jesus will provide what our current life cannot. [08:36]
4. Jesus' Mission to the Outcasts: Jesus' decision to dine with tax collectors and sinners highlights His mission to reach those who are alienated and rejected by society. He breaks down barriers and extends grace to those who recognize their need for salvation. This act foreshadows the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God, where all are welcome. [10:19]
5. Extending Love and Compassion: As disciples, we are called to extend love and compassion to others, even those who are different from us or with whom we have strained relationships. Jesus' example teaches us to see people for who they can become and to show them the love of Jesus by not condemning or judging them. This requires determination and a willingness to stand against cultural norms. [20:32]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Introduction to the Series: Defiance
[03:04] - Overview of the Book of Mark
[04:56] - The Call of Levi
[06:41] - Jesus Sees Potential in Levi
[08:36] - The Cost of Discipleship
[10:19] - Jesus Dines with Sinners
[11:56] - Criticism from the Pharisees
[13:35] - Jesus' Mission to the Outcasts
[15:12] - The Kingdom of God
[17:01] - Transformational Love of Jesus
[18:38] - Extending Love and Compassion
[20:32] - Conclusion and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 2:13-17 (The Call of Levi and Jesus Dining with Sinners)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Levi's occupation before Jesus called him, and why was he considered an outcast? ([04:56])
2. How did Levi respond to Jesus' call, and what did this signify about his commitment? ([08:36])
3. Describe the setting and significance of the meal Jesus shared with Levi and other tax collectors and sinners. ([10:19])
4. How did the Pharisees react to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners, and what was Jesus' response to their criticism? ([13:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' call to Levi reveal about how He sees people and their potential? ([06:41])
2. How does the act of Levi leaving everything behind to follow Jesus illustrate the cost of discipleship? ([08:36])
3. In what ways does Jesus' mission to dine with outcasts challenge the cultural and religious norms of His time? ([10:19])
4. How does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' criticism highlight His mission and the nature of the kingdom of God? ([13:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus saw potential in Levi that others did not. How can you practice seeing the potential in others rather than focusing on their current state? ([06:41])
2. Levi left behind his security and comfort to follow Jesus. What are some things in your life that you might need to leave behind to fully commit to following Jesus? ([08:36])
3. Jesus dined with those who were considered outcasts. Is there someone in your life who is marginalized or rejected that you can reach out to this week? ([10:19])
4. The Pharisees criticized Jesus for associating with sinners. How can you avoid a judgmental attitude and instead extend grace and compassion to those who are different from you? ([13:35])
5. Jesus' actions foreshadow the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God. How can you contribute to creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment in your community or church? ([15:12])
6. Reflect on a strained relationship in your life. What steps can you take to extend love and compassion to that person, following Jesus' example? ([18:38])
7. Being a disciple requires determination and standing against cultural norms. What is one specific way you can stand firm in your faith this week, even if it goes against societal expectations? ([20:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Defiance in Faith
In a world that often pressures us to conform, defiance in faith means standing up for what is right according to God's Word. This kind of defiance is not about rebellion for its own sake but about courageously living out our faith in a culture that may not always understand or support it. The book of Mark, which we will explore, shows us how Jesus defied cultural norms and what that means for us today. Following Jesus involves both suffering and hope, encouraging us to stand firm in our faith. [01:28]
Mark 8:34-35 (ESV): "And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel pressured to conform to cultural norms that conflict with your faith? How can you stand firm in your faith this week, even if it means facing opposition or misunderstanding?
Day 2: Jesus Sees Potential
When Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, He saw beyond Levi's current state and recognized his potential. Jesus didn't see a sinner needing condemnation but a future disciple and evangelist. This teaches us that Jesus sees in us what no one else can and transforms us into what we were intended to be—image-bearers who reflect His glory. Jesus' call to Levi was a call to a new identity and purpose, showing us that He values us not for who we are now but for who we can become in Him. [06:41]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV): "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt unworthy or overlooked. How does knowing that Jesus sees your potential change the way you view yourself and your future? What steps can you take to align your life with the potential Jesus sees in you?
Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus involves risk and cost. Levi left behind his security, comfort, and identity to follow Jesus. This act of leaving everything behind signifies a commitment to a new life and purpose. As disciples, we are called to make similar sacrifices, trusting that Jesus will provide what our current life cannot. The cost of discipleship is high, but the rewards are eternal. Jesus invites us to trust Him fully, even when it means stepping out of our comfort zones and letting go of what we hold dear. [08:36]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits and decisions?
Day 4: Jesus' Mission to the Outcasts
Jesus' decision to dine with tax collectors and sinners highlights His mission to reach those who are alienated and rejected by society. He breaks down barriers and extends grace to those who recognize their need for salvation. This act foreshadows the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God, where all are welcome. Jesus' mission challenges us to look beyond societal labels and see the inherent worth in every person. It calls us to extend the same grace and love that Jesus showed to those who are often marginalized or overlooked. [10:19]
Matthew 9:12-13 (ESV): "But when he heard it, he said, 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.'"
Reflection: Who in your life might be considered an outcast or marginalized? How can you extend Jesus' love and grace to them this week in a tangible way?
Day 5: Extending Love and Compassion
As disciples, we are called to extend love and compassion to others, even those who are different from us or with whom we have strained relationships. Jesus' example teaches us to see people for who they can become and to show them the love of Jesus by not condemning or judging them. This requires determination and a willingness to stand against cultural norms. By following Jesus' example, we become agents of His transformational love, reflecting His glory and compassion to a world in need. [20:32]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life with whom you have a strained relationship. How can you show them love and compassion this week, following Jesus' example? What practical steps can you take to mend this relationship and reflect Jesus' love?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus doesn't just see this wicked tax collector. He sees what Levi can become. He doesn't see a tax collector and a sinner needing condemnation. No, he sees a sinner who needs forgiveness. He doesn't see Levi as what he is currently, but what he sees is Levi for who? He is going to become an evangelist, a disciple, an apostle, and yes, a gospel writer." [06:41]
2. "Jesus calls us to this life of purpose, to be his disciple, to follow him, to live like him, to love like him, and to be like him. Remember, to be a disciple is not just to be a learner. That's what the root of the word means, but it means to actually do and live out these ways in which Jesus models for us." [17:01]
3. "Jesus doesn't make them repent of all their sinfulness and evil ways before he sits down and eats dinner with them. No, he sits down and eats dinner with them, and he accepts them as they are. And it's when they encounter this transformational and radical love of Jesus that they are led to repentance and leaving behind their sinful ways." [17:01]
4. "It's almost as if Jesus is saying this, to those who think they are righteous, I have nothing to say. To those who know they are sinners in need of salvation, I have come to heal them and call them to myself." [15:12]
5. "Jesus, he breaks down the barriers that keep us from him, and he invites us into a life rich with purpose." [15:12]
### Quotes for Members
1. "See, Levi was his given name, and yet all kind of scholars and studies and things point to Levi actually being Matthew, which means gift of God, who wrote the gospel of Matthew. And so here's this man Levi, who once stole from his people his fellow men, who through this encounter with Jesus, this transformation, he's given this new name. He's given the gift of God, and then he becomes a gift of God to the people. And that's what following Jesus does. It changes us." [06:41]
2. "And so, for us, the question, then becomes, why is Jesus eating this meal with this group of people? And it's ultimately to show what the kingdom of God is like, to foreshadow heaven. Now, the Bible doesn't talk a lot about heaven, but one of the things that it's pretty clear about is that it's going to look like a banquet. A banquet where there's no more crying, and there's no more pain, and there's no more tears. A banquet where at the table is every tribe, every tongue, every nation. And it's in the presence of Jesus forever and ever." [18:38]
3. "See, following involves risk and cost. It is something one does, not simply what one thinks or believes. And so, we don't know why Levi says yes, but we know, and Luke paints a slightly more robust picture. He says, so leaving everything behind, he got up and began to follow him. Right? Levi leaves security and comfort and his identity in many ways, and he follows Jesus." [08:36]
4. "And because of Levi's encounter with Jesus, and because of Levi's excitement and wanting to celebrate the occasion, who does he invite? He invites the people that he would have been able to associate with. Because as a tax collector, Levi, his family would have disgraced him or disowned him. He would have been expelled from the synagogue. He was lumped into the same category as murderers, murderers, murderers, murderers, murderers, murderers, and thieves. He was not a high-standing member of society." [13:35]
5. "And so, it's in that spirit that I say, may God's peace and strength be with you today and always. Amen." [20:32]
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