JESUS CAME TO CALL SINNERS

Mark 2:1-17

Key Verse: 2:17

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

* JESUS HEALS A PARALYTIC (1-12)

1. What was Jesus' situation and what was he doing when the four men brought a paralytic to him? (1-2)
2. How did these men overcome obstacles to get to Jesus? (3-4) Why might their action have upset some people? How did Jesus interpret their unconventional and somewhat destructive entrance? (5a) Why?
3. What did Jesus say the paralytic? (5b) What does it mean that he called him "son"? What do Jesus' words suggest about the man's real problem? How is paralysis like sin? In what respect might he be called a sinner?
4. What did the teachers of the law think about Jesus' words? (6-7) What does Jesus' answer to their doubts and questions show about Jesus? (8-10)
5. How did Jesus prove himself to be the one who has authority to forgive sins? (10-12a) How did the people respond? (12b)

* JESUS CALLS LEVI THE TAX COLLECTOR (13-17)

1. What did Jesus do once again beside the lake? (13) Who was Levi? (14a) What kind of life did he have as a tax collector? (Lk 3:12-13,19:2,7) Why was he lonely? What did he have in common with the paralytic?
2. How did Jesus call Levi? (14b) How did Levi respond to Jesus' invitation? Why did he follow Jesus so readily? (14c) What did Jesus' words, "Follow me," mean practically to him?
3. How did Levi celebrate his new life? (15) Why did the Pharisees criticize Jesus? (16) How did Jesus' attitude toward sinners and tax collectors differ from that of the Pharisees? (17)
4. Read verse 17. Who needs a doctor? What is the purpose of Jesus' coming into this world? What does this mean to you?