Seek and Save The Lost
July 28, 2024 • Travis James • Luke 19:1–10
This sermon titled "Seek and Save the Lost" explores the concepts of being an insider and outsider within the Christian faith. It emphasizes how people often label others, creating divisions that make the faith seem exclusive, akin to membership in an elite club. Travis James uses the analogy of the Augusta National Golf Club's exclusivity to illustrate this point.
The sermon centers around the biblical story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector in Jericho who was despised and considered an outsider. Zacchaeus, short in stature and unable to see Jesus through the crowd, climbs a tree to get a better view. Jesus, however, calls Zacchaeus by name and invites himself to Zacchaeus's house, shocking the crowd. This act demonstrates that Jesus' grace is not exclusive but is extended to all, even those considered unworthy or sinful.
The key message is that nothing can exclude anyone from God's grace. Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus leads to a genuine transformation, showcasing that access to God's grace is not about meeting specific requirements but responding to Jesus' invitation. The sermon encourages the congregation to reflect on what might be keeping outsiders from experiencing God's love and to make room for them to encounter grace. It concludes by challenging insiders to allow outsiders to access God's grace, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' love.
Questions for Reflection:
1) How do you relate to Zacchaeus in his desire to see Jesus? Have there been moments in your life where you felt an urge to seek something greater?
2) What barriers (social, personal, spiritual) might be preventing you from experiencing the grace and acceptance of Jesus fully?
3) How does Jesus' acceptance of Zacchaeus challenge your views on who is worthy of God's grace and inclusion in the Christian community?
4) In what ways have you felt like an outsider, and how did you find a sense of belonging or acceptance?
5) How can you extend the grace and welcome of Jesus to others who may feel excluded or marginalized in your community?
6) Reflect on a time when you experienced a transformation or change of heart. What prompted it, and how did it impact your life and relationships?
7) What role does repentance play in your spiritual journey, and how do you practice it in your daily life?
8) How can the story of Zacchaeus inspire you to break down social barriers and build inclusive, accepting communities?
9) In what ways can you make a deliberate effort to see and acknowledge those who are often overlooked or excluded in your surroundings?
10) How does the concept of Jesus inviting himself into Zacchaeus' home resonate with your understanding of God's pursuit and invitation in your life?
(More questions in the attached Discussion Guide).
