A MAN ON A TREE
Luke 19:1-10

What does Jesus’ interaction with a despised tax collector reveal about God’s intention towards sinners?

Discussion Guide

1) The God Who Seeks Sinners (1-5)

In the story in Luke, Jesus sought to reconcile and fellowship with the sinner Zaccheus. Before we became Christ-followers, God graciously initiated contact with us though we were rebelling against Him. Can you still remember how God sought you before you knew Him? Who did He send into your path? What experiences led you to Him? When was the last time you sincerely gave thanks to God for bringing you from where you were before to where you are now? How can you keep your sinful past in mind so that you will always be grateful to God for seeking you though you were undeserving of His attention? Today God wants to continue fellowship with us, such that we will be united with Christ. Through every experience and circumstance, God wants us to know Him more. What are some recent experiences through which God has drawn you closer to Himself? How has your understanding or appreciation of Christ deepened through these experiences? What are some ways that your LG can become more conscious of God, especially during busy or mundane moments?

2) The God Who Saves Sinners (6-9)

After encountering Jesus, Zaccheus’s life was changed from the inside out. Salvation is not just about escaping eternal death but also embracing eternal life. How has following Christ caused you to become a changed person? How has experiencing God’s grace motivated you to live differently than you did before (1 Cor 15:9-10)? One of the ways we can know God’s heart is to witness to the lost. Think about the people in your life at this moment. Do you know any ‘Zaccheus’ who needs Jesus? Is there anyone that you want to share the love of God with? How can the LG represent Christ to non-believers so that they may consider knowing Christ for themselves?

Reflection Questions

1) The God Who Seeks Sinners (1-5)

Can you still remember how God sought you before you knew Him? How can you keep your sinful past in mind so that you will always be grateful to God for seeking you though you were undeserving of His attention?

2) The God Who Saves Sinners (6-9)

Do you know any ‘Zaccheus’ who needs Jesus? Is there anyone that you want to share the love of God with? How can the LG represent Christ to non-believers so that they may consider knowing Christ for themselves?