BOTTOM LINE: A friend of sinners meets people where they are, not where we think they should be.

1. Be approachable.

2. Have genuine love for others.

3. Identify where they are and what they need to hear.

4. Leave the results to God.

Start Talking

Share about a time that you told someone what you thought they needed to hear, but they weren't in a place to understand or use it. Maybe it was when you were trying to explain something or teach something. How did you have to change the way you explained it or taught it so that they could actually understand or use it?

Start Thinking

Read Mark 10:17-18. Why do you think this man felt comfortable running up to Jesus? What does it say about how Jesus must have been living that this man was able to do this and knew he could ask his questions to Jesus?

What are other examples or stories about Jesus that come to mind that show how approachable Jesus was to all people, even those that were considered "sinners" by the religious?

Read Mark 10:19-20 and then Matthew 5:21-22. Comparing these two passages, what point do you think Jesus is making by saying this man "knows" the commandments? Is that enough? And with Matthew 5:21-22 in mind, do you think this man - or any person, for that matter - has really obeyed all of these commands? How does the man's response sound rather prideful and religious in retrospect?

Start Sharing

Read Mark 10:21. When have you felt genuine love from someone just as you were and regardless of how different you were from them? How did that make a difference for you and impact you?

Jesus told this man what he needed to give up control of in order to follow Him, because knowing the right things isn't enough on its own. For this man, it was his wealth and possessions that he was holding on to for control. What have you had to give up control of or what do you continually find yourself giving up to Jesus in order to follow Him?

Read Mark 10:22. Not even Jesus was able to lead this man at this moment to follow Him. How does that give you comfort or encouragement for sharing your faith with others or trying to get others to follow Jesus, too?

We don't know if this man ever did what Jesus said to do. He may have, or he may not have. Who is someone you have tried to make a difference in or lead to Jesus, but you don't know if they ever did or ever will? How did you see your impact move them down the "number line" even if they didn't follow Jesus yet?

Start Doing

What is something specific you need to do so that you can be approachable in a spiritual sense for others?

How can you be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and hear what He wants you to do and say when you are around people who don't follow Jesus so you can identify where they are and what they need to hear?

Who are some people who have come to mind for you during this discussion that the Holy Spirit may want you to be a friend to by being approachable, genuinely loving them, and identifying where they are and what they need to hear?

Start Praying

Pray for each other to do what you each shared in the "Start Doing" section. Pray for the names of those each of us have an opportunity to make a difference for.