SERMON RECAP
Love God, Love People, Love Broken People
Pastor Alanâs message zoomed in on a well-known story with fresh meaningâZacchaeus, the short guy in the tree, yes, that Zacchaeus. But this wasnât just a cute Sunday school songâitâs a powerful picture of what it means to be seen, chosen, and changed by Jesus.
Zacchaeus wasnât just any tax collectorâhe was the chief tax collector, the guy everyone hated. He was a sellout, a crook, that guy. And yet, Jesus noticed him. Called him by name. Invited Himself over for dinner.
This broke all the social rules. People were grumblingâWhy would Jesus spend time with someone like him? But thatâs the whole point. Jesus always moves toward the broken, the outcasts, the âthose people.â And He still does.
At that dinner, Zacchaeusâ heart changed. He shifted his loyalty from money to Jesus, called Him âLord,â and immediately took steps to make things right. One meal with Jesus turned his whole life around.
Bottom line: Jesus didnât come for perfect people. He came for the brokenâand weâre all broken. The invitation is still open: come to the table. You donât have to get cleaned up first. Just come. Jesus will take care of the rest.
Pastor Alanâs message zoomed in on a well-known story with fresh meaningâZacchaeus, the short guy in the tree, yes, that Zacchaeus. But this wasnât just a cute Sunday school songâitâs a powerful picture of what it means to be seen, chosen, and changed by Jesus.
Zacchaeus wasnât just any tax collectorâhe was the chief tax collector, the guy everyone hated. He was a sellout, a crook, that guy. And yet, Jesus noticed him. Called him by name. Invited Himself over for dinner.
This broke all the social rules. People were grumblingâWhy would Jesus spend time with someone like him? But thatâs the whole point. Jesus always moves toward the broken, the outcasts, the âthose people.â And He still does.
At that dinner, Zacchaeusâ heart changed. He shifted his loyalty from money to Jesus, called Him âLord,â and immediately took steps to make things right. One meal with Jesus turned his whole life around.
Bottom line: Jesus didnât come for perfect people. He came for the brokenâand weâre all broken. The invitation is still open: come to the table. You donât have to get cleaned up first. Just come. Jesus will take care of the rest.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why do you think Jesus chose Zacchaeusâa man so hated and rejected by his community? What does that say about how Jesus views people?
- How do you think Zacchaeus felt when Jesus called him by name and said, âI must stay at your house todayâ? Have you ever had a moment when you felt truly seen by God?
- What does Zacchaeusâ response (giving back and making things right) tell us about real transformation? Why is repentance more than just saying âsorryâ?
- Who are âthose peopleâ in your lifeâthe ones you struggle to believe Jesus would choose? How does this story challenge your perspective?
ACTION STEPS
Spend intentional time with someone who doesnât feel like they belong.
Invite them to coffee, lunch, or just check in. Show them the same kind of acceptance Jesus showed Zacchaeus.
Write down an area in your life where Jesus is calling you to change.
Like Zacchaeus, is there something you need to give up, make right, or surrender? Pray about itâand take a step this week toward transformation.
Invite them to coffee, lunch, or just check in. Show them the same kind of acceptance Jesus showed Zacchaeus.
Write down an area in your life where Jesus is calling you to change.
Like Zacchaeus, is there something you need to give up, make right, or surrender? Pray about itâand take a step this week toward transformation.