Discussion Questions

Use these for small groups, Sunday school, or family devotions.

1. The Call of Levi (vv. 27–28)

What does it mean that Jesus saw Levi? What do you think Levi felt when Jesus called him?

What “booth” might you be sitting in today—something that keeps you from following Jesus fully?

Why is it significant that Jesus called Levi before Levi cleaned up his life?

2. The Celebration of Grace (v. 29)

Why did Levi throw a banquet after following Jesus?

How can celebration and hospitality become a way of sharing the gospel today?

What resources or relationships can you leverage to help others meet Jesus?

3. The Criticism of the Righteous (v. 30)

Why did the Pharisees grumble about Jesus’ choice of dinner companions?

How do we sometimes act like Pharisees—thinking our virtue earns us favor with God?

In what ways can we intentionally open our circles to people society overlooks?

4. The Physician’s Mission (vv. 31–32)

What does Jesus mean when He says He came for the sick, not the healthy?

Why is it so important to admit our need for grace?

How does this passage challenge our understanding of what it means to be “good” or “righteous”?

5. Personal Reflection

When did you realize your need for Jesus was out of necessity rather than virtue?

How can we keep the gospel message centered on grace rather than self-improvement?

Adult Daily Devotions: “Grace for the Broken”

Each day includes a Scripture, a reflection, and a short prayer.

Monday – Jesus Sees You

Luke 5:27

Jesus saw Levi sitting at his booth — a place of shame. He sees you where you are, not where you “should” be. His call is not based on your worthiness but His mercy.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for seeing me even when I feel unworthy. Help me hear Your call and follow.

Tuesday – Leaving the Booth Behind

Luke 5:28

Levi left everything to follow Jesus. Following means surrender. What is Jesus calling you to leave behind?

Prayer: Jesus, give me courage to walk away from anything that keeps me from You.

Wednesday – Grace Throws a Party

Luke 5:29

Levi invited others to meet Jesus. Grace is contagious. When we experience it, we can’t keep it quiet.

Prayer: Lord, let Your joy overflow from my life so others see Your grace in me.

Thursday – Religion Without Grace

Luke 5:30

The Pharisees’ religion was based on virtue. But virtue without grace leads to pride. True holiness is humble, welcoming, and redemptive.

Prayer: Father, keep me from self-righteousness. Let me love others as You have loved me.

Friday – The Great Physician

Luke 5:31–32

Jesus came for the sick. The first step to healing is admitting you’re sick. The gospel isn’t for the “good”—it’s for the needy.

Prayer: Jesus, I confess my sin and need. Heal my heart with Your grace.

Saturday – Sinners Wanted

Romans 5:8

God shows His love by dying for sinners. You are wanted, loved, and called—not because you’re perfect, but because He is.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for loving me in my brokenness. Help me walk in gratitude and grace.

Children’s Devotions & Activities: “Jesus Loves Sinners Like Me”

Each day: a short verse, reflection, and fun activity.

Monday – Jesus Sees Me

Luke 5:27

Jesus saw Levi even though others didn’t like him. Jesus sees you too!

Activity: Draw a picture of Jesus looking at you and smiling. Write “Jesus sees me!” on it.

Tuesday – Follow Jesus

Luke 5:28

Levi followed Jesus right away. You can follow Jesus too by obeying His Word.

Activity: Play “Follow the Leader.” Talk about how following Jesus is like that—He leads, we follow.

Wednesday – Let’s Celebrate!

Luke 5:29

Levi threw a party to celebrate Jesus.

Activity: Plan a mini “Jesus party.” Thank Him for saving you! Sing a song and share something good He’s done.

Thursday – Don’t Judge Others

Luke 5:30

The Pharisees didn’t like Jesus’ friends. But Jesus loves everyone!

Activity: Think of someone who might feel left out. Make them a card or say something kind today.

Friday – Jesus Is the Healer

Luke 5:31–32

Jesus came to heal our hearts from sin.

Activity: Cut out paper hearts. On each, write something you want Jesus to help you with (like being kind or honest). Pray together.

Saturday – Jesus Wants Me!

John 3:16

God loves you so much He sent Jesus for you!

Activity: Memorize John 3:16. Say it every time you see a heart today.

Youth Devotions: “Out of Necessity”

Designed for teens wrestling with identity and purpose.

Monday – Seen by Jesus

Luke 5:27

Jesus notices the people others ignore. You don’t need to be impressive to be called—just honest about your need.

Reflect: Where do you feel unseen? How might Jesus be calling you there?

Tuesday – No Turning Back

Luke 5:28

Levi left his old life. Following Jesus means surrendering comfort for calling.

Reflect: What’s one thing you need to let go of to follow Jesus more fully?

Wednesday – Sharing Grace

Luke 5:29

Levi used his house and friendships to share Jesus.

Reflect: Who could you invite into your circle this week to show Jesus’ love?

Thursday – Virtue vs. Grace

Luke 5:30

Religion without grace becomes pride. Faith starts when we admit we can’t save ourselves.

Reflect: Do you ever act like following Jesus makes you “better” than others?

Friday – The Great Physician

Luke 5:31–32

Jesus heals what’s broken inside. But you have to admit you’re sick first.

Reflect: What’s one area of your life you need Jesus to heal?

Saturday – Sinners Wanted

Ephesians 2:8–9

You’re saved by grace, not performance. That’s freeing!

Reflect: How can you live like someone loved by grace this week?