Message Series: True-ish
Week 4
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Group Check in:
How is it with your soul?
Prayer Request? Praises?
How has God shown up in your life this week?
Icebreaker:
If you could invite anyone over to your house for dinner, who would it be? (must be currently living and not anyone you already know)
Overview:
What’s this message about? Zacchaeus was a traitorous, thieving bully who was isolated and disconnected from the ‘right’ side of the tracks. Jesus wanted him so much that He found Zacchaeus' hiding spot and drew him out into a relationship. Jesus spent time with him. Ultimately, this encounter with Jesus changed everything about how Zacchaeus lived.
Jesus saw Zacchaeus in spite of his hiding spot. Jesus sees the unseen. He initiates the encounter and seeks us out. Jesus extends grace to the oppressor. He neither endorses nor ostrazcises the oppressor. Jesus simply loves him.
Jesus' mission is to reclaim the prodigal. Jesus doesn't just tell the story of the prodigal, He lives it. He wants all the lost to know the grace of God. Jesus invites us into His family no matter our circumstances.
When we have this kind of encounter with Jesus, we must change our lives and actions, just like Zacchaeus did. Salvation includes a radical transformation and re-formation of life as it is lived out day to day: son of man to seek and to save the lost.
If you are sitting on the edge and wondering if you are good enough, just remember God has already claimed you and is inviting you in.
Discussion Questions:
Are you hiding like Zacchaeus? What's keeping you in hiding? Is it doubt, shame, or anxiety?
Zacchaeus had obstacles that kept him from seeing Jesus: some were social (the large crowd) and some were personal (like his height). What obstacles in your life are keeping you from seeing Jesus? What obstacles keep people from seeing Jesus in our world?
Jesus is a master at building relationships and communicating with people. What does Jesus do to build a friendship with Zacchaeus? What do we learn from Jesus in this story?
Would you ever connect with someone like Zacchaeus and invite them to your house? Who do you know that is your "Zacchaeus?" How can you be intentional this week to build a relationship with this person?
What does Jesus' response to Zacchaeus teach us about the power of extending grace to others?
Zacchaeus' changed life was evident to others, especially in his generosity to others. What changes do people see in us as followers of Jesus?
Remember, no matter your past or current circumstances, Jesus is calling out to you and inviting you into His family. How can your small group pray for you this week?
Share with your Groups:
FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
SUMMER CHALLENGE
There is something about summer that just brings the life out of us, isn't there? Well, those sun-filled days are here and of course you will be looking for some adventure this summer. We have you covered! We have crafted a list of activities that you, your family or a group of friends can do together this summer. Take this opportunity to get to know your neighbors!
Join our Facebook Community Group so that we can share stories and swap ideas as we go along.