Desired Takeaway
Jesus is not repelled by messy people—he moves toward them. When we see how Jesus approaches brokenness, shame, and social outsiders, it reshapes both how we approach God and how we approach the people around us. Followers of Jesus are invited to receive his grace personally and then extend that same grace to others.

Icebreaker
Unexpected Friendship
Have you ever become friends with someone you initially didn’t expect to connect with?


Discussion Questions
1. Lean In
In the story of Levi, Jesus chooses to sit down with people that most respectable society avoided.

• Why do you think people naturally avoid those they see as “messy,” complicated, or morally questionable?

2. Look Down (Primary Passage)
Romans 5:6–8 
Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

• What does this tell us about God's posture toward humanity?

3. Look Out
In the teaching, the idea comes up that sometimes we say we love “the lost” or “the people far from God” as a category—but shy away from specific people.

• Where do you see this tension in modern Christian culture?
• Where might Christians unintentionally keep their distance from the very people Jesus moved toward?

4. Look In
The Pharisees believed holiness meant distance from sinners, but Jesus showed holiness moving toward people who need healing.

• Which of these do you relate to more right now?
  • Feeling like Levi (aware of your mess)

  • Feeling like the Pharisees (tempted to keep distance)

  • Something else
• What might it look like for you personally to respond to Jesus’ invitation?

5. Live It Out
Imagine a church or community where people truly lived this way—where followers of Jesus moved toward brokenness instead of avoiding it.
What would be different about:
friendships, hospitality how the church is perceived by outsiders the kinds of people who feel welcome?

Optional Exercises for the Week
1. Practice Table Fellowship
Invite someone to share a meal this week—especially someone you wouldn’t normally spend time with.
The goal isn’t fixing or correcting them.
Just practice presence and curiosity.

2. Pray “Lord, Help Me Get One More”
The teaching referenced the simple prayer of a medic who kept rescuing wounded soldiers.
Throughout the week, pray:
“Lord, show me one person you want me to move toward today.”
Notice who comes to mind.

3. Reflect on Your Own Story
Spend 10 minutes journaling:
Where has Jesus met you in your own mess?
How has his grace changed your life?

Prayer Prompt
Close by praying around these ideas:

• Thank Jesus that he moves toward us, not away from us.
• Ask God to help you receive his grace where you still feel shame or distance.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to people you can love and welcome this week.
• Pray for courage to move toward people the way Jesus does.