Jesus isn’t just for the righteous or the religious—He’s for the overlooked, the outcast, and the outsider. He sees us when others don’t. He calls us by name. And He invites us into a life of transformation.
REVIEW: Jesus chooses unexpected places | Jericho
- READ: Luke 19:1–2 –– “He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.”
- DISCUSS: Where in your life has Jesus met you in an unexpected place? Where might He be sending you now to reach others?
REVIEW: God is generous in His invitation | Zacchaeus
- READ: Luke 19:3–7 –– “And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’”
- DISCUSS: When have you felt unseen or unloved, and Jesus showed up anyway? Who in your life may need to be seen, known, and loved?
REVIEW: God is generous in His reward | The Cross
- READ: Luke 19:8–10 –– “And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’”
- DISCUSS: What does surrender look like in your life right now? How can Jesus’ mercy lead you to generosity and obedience?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank You that You see us when we feel invisible, that You know us by name, and that You came to seek and save us when we were lost. Thank You for loving people like Zacchaeus—and people like us. Teach us to live with open hands and open hearts. Help us follow You down unexpected paths and extend Your grace to others. We surrender to You today. In Your Name, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
Let this story shape how you live this week. Here are 5 ways to respond:
- Look for Jesus in unexpected places. Pay attention to where He might be showing up—at work, in your neighborhood, or even in quiet moments.
- Slow down to truly see people. Ask God to help you notice someone others may overlook and make a small move toward them.
- Open your home or table. Like Jesus did with Zacchaeus, create space for connection that communicates, “You belong.”
- Practice generosity. Identify one way to give this week—time, money, encouragement—out of the overflow of God's grace to you.
- Surrender something specific. Ask, “What am I holding onto that Jesus wants to transform?” Name it—and take a step of trust.
This week, don’t just admire the story—step into it. Jesus is still seeking, still saving, and He’s inviting you to join Him.