Faith Talk – November 1, 2026

Title: Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Scripture: Mark 2:13-17

Overview: Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him and then shared a meal with tax collectors and sinners. When religious leaders questioned His choice of company, Jesus explained that the sick need a doctor. He came to call sinners. His words remind us of our own need for His grace and challenge us to consider whom we pursue. Following Jesus means caring about people who are far from God, building relationships with them, and pointing them toward the Savior we all need.

Main Point: Are we pursuing who Jesus pursued?

Discussion Questions:
For Kids

• What did Levi do when Jesus told him to follow Him?
• Why did some religious leaders question Jesus about eating with tax collectors and sinners?
• Who could you welcome or spend time with this week who might feel left out?

For Students & Adults

• What do Jesus’ call to Levi and His willingness to share a meal with sinners reveal about His mission?
• How does recognizing your own need for grace affect the way you treat people whose lives or beliefs differ from yours?
• Who are you intentionally building a relationship with who does not know Jesus? What makes it difficult to take that step?

Application: Identify one person you can pursue with the love of Jesus this week. Share a meal, start a conversation, or make time to listen. Pray for that person by name and look for an opportunity to explain why you follow Jesus. Approach the relationship with humility, remembering that you also need His grace.

Scripture: John 9

Christ/Gospel Connections:
All of Scripture points back to Jesus. In our study each week, every age group’s lesson includes a note about how the message connects to Christ. Use these Christ/Gospel Connections as a springboard for meaningful discussion about who Jesus is and what He has done for us.

Preschool – Jesus healed the man who was blind. This healing points to a deeper gift: Jesus helps us see and know God. When we trust Jesus, He forgives our sin and opens our hearts to follow Him.

Kids – Jesus came to bring light into the darkness. He healed the blind man to show God’s power and to point to a greater truth: Jesus came to give spiritual sight. When we trust in Him, He forgives our sin and helps us see and know God.

Students – Satan has blinded the eyes of the world to the truth of God, offering false hope in the things of the world while also opposing God through its powers and influences. Jesus came so that the eyes of the blind might be opened to the truth. All who trust in Him find true hope in God’s kingdom.

Adults – Jesus opens people’s eyes to His messiahship, but they can choose to believe Him or not. Those who recognize their sin and need for a Savior will believe; the hard-hearted will not.

Discussion Questions:
For Kids

• How did Jesus change the blind man’s life?
• When Jesus told the man who He was, how did the man respond?
• What is something you know about Jesus that you could share with a friend?

For Students & Adults

• How did the healed man’s understanding of Jesus grow throughout John 9?
• What kept the religious leaders from acknowledging who Jesus was? How can pride keep us from receiving God’s truth?
• The healed man spoke honestly about what Jesus had done for him, even when others challenged him. How could you share what Jesus has done in your life?

Draw a table on a piece of paper. Have each person write or draw the name of someone outside your usual circle whom you could welcome. Think about a neighbor, classmate, coworker, or someone who often gets overlooked.

Choose one practical way to connect this week, such as inviting someone to lunch, sitting beside them, or spending time together. Pray for the people you named. At the end of the week, talk about how you followed through and what you learned.