Main Idea: Jesus loves people, helps people, and shows us that doing good matters more than following rules.

Key Memory Verse: “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17 ESV)

Target Audience: Ages 5–9

The Story Explained

1. Jesus Calls Levi to Follow Him (2:13–14)

Jesus was walking by the lake when he saw a man named Levi sitting at a tax booth. Levi was a tax collector. Most people did not like tax collectors because they were known for being unfair. But Jesus looked at Levi and said, “Follow me.” Right away, Levi stood up and followed Jesus. Jesus showed everyone that anyone can follow him—not just “good” people or important people.

2. Jesus Eats with People Others Avoided (2:15–17)

Later, Jesus ate dinner at Levi’s house. Many other tax collectors and people labeled as “sinners” were there too. Some religious teachers were upset. They asked, “Why does Jesus eat with people like that?” Jesus answered, “Sick people need a doctor, not healthy ones. I came to help sinners.” Jesus was showing that he came to help people who need forgiveness, not people who think they are already perfect.

3. Jesus Explains Why His Followers Are Joyful (2:18–22)

Some people asked Jesus why his followers didn’t fast like others did. Jesus told them a story. He said being with him was like being at a wedding party. A wedding is a time to be happy—not sad! Jesus also said that new cloth doesn’t fit on old clothes, and new wine doesn’t fit in old wineskins. This meant Jesus was bringing something new from God—and it couldn’t be squeezed into old ways of thinking.

4. Jesus Shows What the Sabbath Is Really For (2:23–28)

One Sabbath day, Jesus’ disciples picked grain because they were hungry. The Pharisees said this was wrong. Jesus reminded them that even King David once ate special bread when he was hungry. Then Jesus said something very important: “The Sabbath was made to help people.” Jesus showed that God’s rules were meant to care for people, not hurt them.

5. Jesus Heals a Man on the Sabbath (3:1–6)

Another Sabbath day, Jesus went into a synagogue. A man there had a hand that did not work. The Pharisees watched closely to see if Jesus would heal him. Jesus asked them, “Is it better to do good or to do harm?” They didn’t answer. Jesus felt sad and angry because their hearts were hard. He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” The man did—and his hand was healed! Instead of being happy, the Pharisees became angry and began planning to hurt Jesus.

Applications

1. Jesus Calls Everyone to Follow Him

When Jesus saw Levi, many people did not like him. They thought Levi was a bad choice. But Jesus looked at Levi and said, “Follow me.” Jesus didn’t care what others thought. He saw Levi’s heart and wanted him to be part of his work.

Jesus is the same today. He doesn’t only call grown-ups or “perfect” people. Jesus calls kids too. Jesus calls:

Kids who feel left out
Kids who mess up sometimes
Kids who don’t feel special
Kids who want to learn and try

You don’t have to be the best, the fastest, or the smartest. Jesus just wants you to listen, trust him, and walk with him. When Jesus calls you, he is saying, “I want you with me.” And that means you matter—no matter who you are.

2. Jesus Loves People Others Avoid

Many people did not like the people Jesus ate with. They ignored them and stayed away from them. But Jesus didn’t do that. He sat with them, talked with them, and showed them love.

Jesus wants us to love people the same way. Sometimes kids feel left out at home, school, church, or on the playground. They might be sitting alone or feel like no one notices them. You can show Jesus’ love by:

Sitting with someone who is alone
Inviting a classmate to play
Being kind instead of teasing
Including others in your games

You don’t have to do something big. Small acts of kindness matter to Jesus. When you show love to someone who feels left out, you are acting like Jesus—and that makes him smile.

3. Doing Good Matters More Than Rules

Rules are important. Rules help keep people safe and teach us what is right. But Jesus showed us something even more important—helping people. Sometimes you might follow a rule but still miss a chance to be kind. Jesus always chose kindness first. For example:

If someone falls down, it’s more important to help them than to worry about being late
If a friend is sad, it’s more important to care about them than to ignore them
If someone needs help, Jesus wants us to stop and help

Jesus healed people even when others said, “That’s not allowed today.” He showed that loving people is what God really wants. When you choose kindness, you are doing what Jesus would do. Helping people shows your heart is growing to be more like his.

4. Jesus Wants Our Hearts to Be Soft

Some people in the story followed lots of rules, but they didn’t care about how others felt. Their hearts were hard like a rock. Jesus wants our hearts to be soft, like clay that can be shaped or like a pillow that is soft and kind. A soft heart means:

You notice when someone is hurting
You feel sorry when you do something wrong
You want to help instead of ignore
You choose kindness instead of meanness

Jesus cared about people more than rules. He helped, healed, and loved—even when others said he shouldn’t. When you ask Jesus to help you have a soft heart, he helps you care about others, love people the way he does, and become more like him every day.

Discussion Questions

Why did Jesus choose Levi to follow him?
Why were the religious leaders upset with Jesus?
What did Jesus say the Sabbath was made for?
How did Jesus help the man with the hurt hand?
How can you show kindness like Jesus this week?

Mark 2:13-3:6 — Jesus Loves & Helps People