Jesus
“Jesus, Friend of Sinners”
Matthew 9:9-13, John 8:1-11

Matthew 9

“Jesus teaches you to live your life as He would live your life.” ~ Dallas Willard

Reflecting the attitude and actions of Jesus…
	Reach out to someone that others have written off. 
	Always be ready for divine appointments. 
	Be in the world, but not of the world.

Are you more like Jesus or the Pharisees in your attitude & actions?

Reflecting the attitude and actions of Jesus…
	See God-given value in every person.
	Open up your heart and home to build relationships.
	Share your faith with a Christ-like attitude & actions.
	Focus on costly love vs. careful rituals.  

John 8 
	Let your life be grace-driven and truth-led.
	1 Pet. 3:15
Who is God calling you to reach out to as a friend?

Christ-like or Pharisee-like

A nationwide study asked a representative sample of Christians to respond to statements below about being more like Jesus or Pharisees. (Barna Research Group, 2013)  Where do you tend to lean? Discuss.

Attitude & Actions like Pharisees: (Self-righteous) 
	•	I tell others the most important thing in my life is following God’s rules.
	•	I like to point out those who do not have the right theology or doctrine.
	•	I prefer to serve people who attend my church rather than those outside the church.
	•	I find it hard to be friends with people who seem to constantly do the wrong things.
	•	It’s not my responsibility to help people who won’t help themselves.
	•	I feel grateful to be a Christian when I see other people’s failures and flaws.
	•	I don’t talk about my sins or struggles. That’s between me and God.

Attitude & Actions like Jesus:
	•	I try to discover the needs of non-Christians rather than waiting for them to come to me.
	•	I am personally spending time with non-believers to help them follow Jesus.
	•	I regularly choose to have meals with people with very different faith or morals from me.
	•	I see God working in people’s lives, even when they are not following him.
	•	I feel compassion for people who are not following God and doing immoral things.
	•	I see God-given value in every person, regardless of their past or present condition.
	•	I listen to others to learn their story before telling them about my faith.