Opener:
What’s one gathering or celebration from your life that you still remember fondly? What made it meaningful?
Who is someone that naturally brings joy, warmth, or encouragement into a room? What makes their presence impactful?

Discussion Questions:
1. In Luke 5:27–32, what stands out to you about Levi’s response to following Jesus? Why do you think his first instinct was to throw a party and invite his friends?
2. What was your initial response the first time you started following Jesus? Was it similar or different from Levi’s?
3. Read Luke 7:34-50. What does the title “a friend of sinners” reveal about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus’ actions offended the religious leaders? What kind of parallels can you see in our world today?
4. In the sermon, we talked about how Jesus genuinely enjoyed being around people. Would you say that’s true about you? What is the difference between tolerating and enjoying someone?
5. In what ways as a church community (both when we gather and individually) are we good at celebrating others and in what ways might we need to grow?

Go Deeper
1. Jesus consistently moved toward people others avoided. Who are the kinds of people our culture tends to overlook, avoid, dismiss, or keep at a distance today? What makes moving toward them difficult?
2. The sermon mentioned the loneliness and isolation many people experience today. How have you seen loneliness affect people in your life, workplace, neighborhood, or family? How do you think your presence might make a difference?

Live It Out
Take time to discuss with your group how you will live it out this week, using the following elements:

1. Spiritual Practice: Write down 3–5 people you’re grateful for and thank God for them by name each day this week. Consider sending a text or mailing a card to each one throughout the week.
2. Practicing Presence Tip: Look for moments to enjoy people—not just help, fix, or serve them.
3. Holy Inconvenience: Bring a little joy into an ordinary space this week—a break room, neighborhood gathering, workplace, classroom, or hangout spot. Bring a treat, linger longer than normal, start a conversation, or create a small moment of celebration.

Prayer Prompt
Invite each person to quietly think of one person they want to move toward relationally this week, and how they could do that.
Pray together:
“Jesus, thank You for moving toward us with grace, joy, and love. Help us become people whose presence reflects Your kindness and welcome. Give us eyes to see those around us, courage to make space for others, and hearts that genuinely delight in people the way You do. Amen.”