Following Jesus: Embracing Community and Transformative Grace
Summary
### Summary
Welcome back to church, everyone. Today, we are reminded that church is not confined to a building; it is wherever we gather in the name of Jesus. We often mistakenly believe that Jesus is limited to the walls of a church building, but He is present everywhere. This is especially true when we gather in small groups, much like the early church did. Today, we also celebrate communion, a sacrament that, while not salvific, is powerful and life-changing. It is a moment to remember Jesus' sacrifice and to purify our hearts.
We are starting a new sermon series called "Dinner with Jesus," where we will explore moments when Jesus dined with people and what we can learn from those events. Today, we focus on Luke 5:27-32, where Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised for their corrupt practices, yet Jesus chose Levi, demonstrating that His call extends to everyone, even those society deems unworthy.
Levi's immediate response to leave everything and follow Jesus shows the transformative power of Jesus' presence. Levi then hosts a banquet for Jesus, inviting other tax collectors and sinners. This act of bringing his old community into his new life with Jesus is a powerful example for us. Jesus' response to the Pharisees' criticism for dining with sinners is profound: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
From this passage, we learn four key lessons: the call of Jesus, the importance of community, the cost of following Jesus, and our commission to reach the lost. Jesus calls everyone, and when we respond, we enter a new community of believers. However, we must also reach back into our old communities to share the good news. There is a cost to this mission, both from within the church and from the world, but it is a cost worth paying. Our commission is to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey Jesus' commands. This is how we can change the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Call of Jesus: Jesus calls everyone, regardless of their past or societal status. Levi, a despised tax collector, was called to follow Jesus, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. This call is transformative, compelling us to leave behind our old lives and follow Him wholeheartedly. [31:53]
2. The Importance of Community: When we respond to Jesus' call, we enter a new community of believers. However, we must not abandon our old communities. Like Levi, we should bring Jesus into our previous circles, sharing the transformative power of His love and grace. This dual community engagement is essential for spreading the gospel. [37:38]
3. The Cost of Following Jesus: Following Jesus comes with a cost, both from within the church and from the world. The church may resist bringing in those deemed undesirable, and the world may be hostile to the gospel. Despite these challenges, we must remain committed to our mission, understanding that the cost is worth the eternal reward. [41:19]
4. Our Commission: Jesus commissions us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. This mission is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our faith. We must be willing to go into difficult places and reach those who are lost, understanding that this is our primary purpose as the church. [48:28]
5. Transformative Power of Jesus: The presence of Jesus is so powerful that it compels people to leave everything behind and follow Him. This transformative power is not just for us but for everyone we encounter. We must share this power with others, helping them experience the life-changing presence of Jesus. [33:22]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [22:51] - Church Beyond Walls
3. [23:42] - Communion: More Than Symbolic
4. [24:44] - Martin Luther's View on Communion
5. [25:47] - Preparing for Communion
6. [26:48] - Prayer for Purification
7. [28:02] - The Bread and the Body
8. [29:00] - The Cup and the Blood
9. [29:38] - Introduction to New Series: Dinner with Jesus
10. [30:15] - Jesus Calls Levi
11. [31:53] - Levi's Immediate Response
12. [33:22] - The Transformative Power of Jesus
13. [34:00] - Levi's Banquet
14. [35:23] - The Call to Salvation
15. [37:38] - The Importance of Community
16. [41:19] - The Cost of Following Jesus
17. [48:28] - Our Commission
18. [50:46] - The Great Commission
19. [52:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 5:27-32: "After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, 'Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?' Jesus answered them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Levi's occupation before Jesus called him, and why was this significant? ([30:51])
2. How did Levi respond to Jesus' call, and what did he do immediately after? ([31:53])
3. What was the reaction of the Pharisees and teachers of the law to Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners? ([34:00])
4. What reason did Jesus give for associating with tax collectors and sinners? ([34:00])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Levi's immediate response to Jesus' call tell us about the transformative power of Jesus' presence? ([33:22])
2. How does the story of Levi illustrate the importance of community in the Christian faith? ([37:38])
3. What are the potential costs of following Jesus, as highlighted in the sermon? ([41:19])
4. How does Jesus' commission to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands shape our understanding of the church's mission? ([48:28])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called by Jesus. How did you respond, and what changes did it bring in your life? ([31:53])
2. Levi brought Jesus into his old community of tax collectors and sinners. How can you bring Jesus into your own circles of influence? ([39:00])
3. Following Jesus comes with a cost. What are some challenges you have faced or might face in your journey of faith, both from within the church and from the world? ([41:19])
4. Jesus calls us to make disciples and teach them to obey His commands. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week? ([48:28])
5. The presence of Jesus is transformative. How can you share this transformative power with others in your daily interactions? ([33:22])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of not confining Jesus to the walls of the church. What are some practical ways you can live out your faith beyond the church building? ([22:51])
7. Reflect on the concept of community. How can you better engage with both your new community of believers and your old community to share the gospel? ([37:38])
Devotional
Day 1: The Inclusive Call of Jesus
Jesus calls everyone, regardless of their past or societal status. Levi, a despised tax collector, was called to follow Jesus, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. This call is transformative, compelling us to leave behind our old lives and follow Him wholeheartedly. Jesus' call to Levi shows that His grace is not limited by human prejudices or societal norms. It is a reminder that God's love and invitation to follow Him are extended to all, no matter how unworthy we may feel.
Levi's immediate response to Jesus' call is a testament to the power of Jesus' presence. He left everything behind to follow Jesus, showing that the call of Jesus is not just an invitation but a life-changing command. This transformative power is available to all who are willing to respond to Jesus' call. It challenges us to examine our own lives and consider what we need to leave behind to follow Jesus more fully. [31:53]
Luke 5:27-28 (ESV): "After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, 'Follow me.' And leaving everything, he rose and followed him."
Reflection: Think about an area of your life where you feel unworthy or disqualified. How can you embrace Jesus' call to follow Him in that area today?
Day 2: Engaging Dual Communities
When we respond to Jesus' call, we enter a new community of believers. However, we must not abandon our old communities. Like Levi, we should bring Jesus into our previous circles, sharing the transformative power of His love and grace. This dual community engagement is essential for spreading the gospel. Levi's banquet, where he invited his old friends to meet Jesus, is a powerful example of how we can bridge our new faith with our old relationships.
Engaging with both communities can be challenging, but it is crucial for the mission of the church. It requires us to be intentional about sharing our faith and living out the gospel in all areas of our lives. By doing so, we can help others experience the same transformative power of Jesus that we have encountered. This approach not only strengthens our faith but also expands the reach of the gospel. [37:38]
1 Corinthians 9:22 (ESV): "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some."
Reflection: Identify one person from your old community who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you intentionally share His love and grace with them this week?
Day 3: The Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus comes with a cost, both from within the church and from the world. The church may resist bringing in those deemed undesirable, and the world may be hostile to the gospel. Despite these challenges, we must remain committed to our mission, understanding that the cost is worth the eternal reward. Jesus' response to the Pharisees' criticism for dining with sinners highlights the importance of reaching out to those who are lost.
The cost of discipleship involves sacrifices and challenges, but it also brings immense rewards. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones and be willing to face opposition for the sake of the gospel. By embracing this cost, we can experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises and help others do the same. [41:19]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, '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 will find it.'"
Reflection: What is one specific sacrifice you can make this week to follow Jesus more closely? How can you embrace the cost of discipleship in your daily life?
Day 4: Our Great Commission
Jesus commissions us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands. This mission is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our faith. We must be willing to go into difficult places and reach those who are lost, understanding that this is our primary purpose as the church. The Great Commission is a call to action for every believer, urging us to share the gospel and make disciples of all nations.
Fulfilling this commission requires intentionality and dedication. It involves building relationships, sharing our faith, and helping others grow in their relationship with Jesus. By committing to this mission, we can play a vital role in expanding God's kingdom and bringing hope to a broken world. [48:28]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: Who is one person you can disciple this week? How can you help them grow in their faith and obedience to Jesus' commands?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of Jesus
The presence of Jesus is so powerful that it compels people to leave everything behind and follow Him. This transformative power is not just for us but for everyone we encounter. We must share this power with others, helping them experience the life-changing presence of Jesus. Levi's immediate response to Jesus' call and his subsequent banquet for Jesus demonstrate the profound impact of encountering Jesus.
This transformative power is available to all who are willing to open their hearts to Jesus. It can bring healing, restoration, and new life. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be conduits of this power, sharing His love and grace with those around us. By doing so, we can help others experience the same life-changing transformation that we have encountered. [33:22]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you felt the transformative power of Jesus. How can you share this experience with someone who needs to encounter His life-changing presence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We always bring the church where the people are. Because because God gathers, God's not confined by a building. He gathers with us wherever we happen to be. So we're two or three gathered, the Bible says, then the Holy Spirit is there with them. The Lord is there with them. And that's that's church, y'all." [22:51] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus' presence, y'all, that at the presence of Jesus, I am willing to walk away from everything else, no matter what it is, and follow him. That's what Jesus is like. And by the way, that's what Jesus is like to everybody, including people that are at places we don't think God would want. Even want to go close to." [33:22] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The world needs Jesus more than it needs anything else. The world needs Jesus more than it needs a new president or a new party or a new idea or a new job. The world needs Jesus. Jesus is the answer. Now, what's the question? I mean, you get what I'm saying, right? The world needs Jesus." [39:41] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If the church is not reaching lost people, then we become nothing more than a country club. And I'm going to be very honest with you. We're not as good at country club as the rest of the world is. We're not as good at just being a club as the rest of the world is. What we can do that they can't do is have Jesus change a heart." [50:03] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus promises to be with us if, if we are making disciples, bringing people into the church, baptizing them, making them members, letting them belong with us, training them and teaching them to obey everything that I've commanded you. That's what we've got to be about. Go get them, make them part of the family, and then grow them up." [50:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Communion is not in and of itself saving. You're not going to get saved because you take communion today or as as the Catholic Church would call this the mass or the Eucharist. This is not going to save you. But I have to say that I'm of a mind, I'm of a belief that there's something more than simply symbolic about it." [23:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Our challenge is that sometimes we've refused to go to the tax collector's booth and try to reach these people. And because we're not there, somebody else is. And they give them a false God to follow. And so they follow a false God and they get disappointed. They get hurt by that. We need to be there." [35:57] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You're called to a new community, but that does not mean you have deleted the community you've been called to. You're called from. Levi is also called from a community. He's called from a community of tax collectors. Now, I'm going to be honest. He probably loses most of these relationships over the next, over the rest of his life, especially over the next three and a half years as he travels with Jesus, right?" [38:20] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church is worried about you bringing the lost people. Because you're going to mess up their tidy little religion if you bring in lost dirty people. Right? But then the world is upset about it because they're afraid you're going to steal their gods. They're afraid you're going to take away all their gods and the things that are kings in their life now. And they don't want to lose that." [45:46] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The call is to find salvation in Jesus. The call is to take that salvation to the community. Join your new community and learn how to be new. And yet still bring Jesus to the community you came out of or you're still a part of. And then there's a cost. And the cost can come from both sides. And it can be painful. All of that's true. I need you to know all that's true." [47:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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