Jesus Friend of Sinners | Mark 2:13–17
Jesus still meets people right where they are. In this service, we worship the risen King and dive into Mark 2:13–17, where Jesus calls Levi (Matthew), eats with “tax collectors and sinners,” and shows us what grace really looks like. Pastor unpacks why large crowds followed Jesus, what it means that He’s a friend of sinners (without winking at sin), and how mercy (not empty ritual) is God’s heart for you. If you’ve ever felt unworthy, this message is for you. Key Takeaways

• Jesus calls unlikely people (like Levi) and gives them a new identity and purpose.
• God is unbelievably patient with sinners and utterly intolerant of sin.
• “Mercy, not sacrifice”: the point of religion is a real relationship with Jesus.
• You can come to Jesus as you are and He will not leave you as you were.
• The church grows because God wants more people saved. We keep making room.

 Scriptures
Mark 2:13–17; Matthew 9:9–13; Luke 5:27–32; John 8:1–11; Romans 3:23–24; Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 55:6–7; Psalm 1; Proverbs 11:24–25; Matthew 7:3–5