Recap: We want to recapture and rediscover Jesus. Not the Jesus that political parties try to claim, or that pop culture wants to claim, but the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus of the New Testament is someone who gets us. He was rejected, he was outraged, he faced struggle, and faced times where he was all alone. So often we go through challenges that leave us feeling that God doesn’t know, care, or really understand what we’re facing, but when we truly see the Jesus in the Bible we see one who cares, who loves you, who gets you.

(1)When was a time when you felt like an outsider, unaccepted, or out of place? What did that feel like?

(2)Where or when was a time when you felt fully accepted? What did that feel like?

(3)Read Mark 2:13-17. Levi was an outsider, despised by others. How do you think he must have felt when Jesus asked him to follow him and then wanted to have dinner with him?

(4)Who else was at the table with Jesus and Levi? What does this tell you about Jesus and his radical acceptance?

(5)Why were the Pharisees so bothered? What do you think Jesus meant by the sick and the healthy? Why would he say “healthy” when we all have a “sin sickness” (Read Romans 3:23)?

(6)You have to recognize that you’re sick before you’ll seek a remedy for that sickness. This was the Pharisees problem. What does it mean to you that Jesus says he came for those who know they are sick?

(7)Read Matthew 9:35-36. How does Jesus respond when he sees the people? Why?

(8)God wants to help us, to lead us and give us direction. He has compassion for us. Will you let him lead you? If you’re a follower of Jesus we’re called to see people the same way Jesus does - with compassion, seeing people as harassed and helpless in need of guidance? How could taking that view change how you see others?

One great way to see more of this Jesus who gets us, is through the 3 season limited series: The Chosen. The best way to watch it is by getting the “Angel Studios” app on your phone, tablet or smart tv. You can watch all the episodes there & be prepared to see Jesus in a new, refreshing way.