Message: In an Instant
Speaker: Ben Horseman
Take a few minutes at the beginning of your group and ask how was everybody's Christmas- (could be a high and a low, or a most memorable moment)
Passage for today is Luke 19:1-10. Either have one person read aloud or divide up the passage among group to read aloud. Consider the two questions below in the Reflect Content. Share your comments/questions with the group.
N.T. Wright talks about the importance of looking at Scripture with "First Century Goggles," meaning take the time to read the passage in its 1st century context- seeking to understand as a 1st century Christ-follower would.
- How would the first century mind have viewed Zacchaeus, a "chief tax collector" Come up with a list of adjectives:
- i.e. corrupt, wealthy, liars, etc. Why?
- How was his short stature viewed in the first century?
- "His littleness is more than physical. He is a nobody." John Nolland
- What was so significant, even scandalous about Jesus' statement "I must stay at your house today?"
- concept of honor within Jewish community. "who you ate with mattered."
Zacchaeus did whatever he could to see Jesus, including climbing a tree. And Jesus recognized him out of that tree and extended His grace to Zacchaeus.
What was Zacchaeus' extravagant response to the grace of Christ? What has been one of your responses to the grace of Christ? Share with the group any life-change that was God-initiated.
As we look ahead to this new year 2020- just as Zacchaeus took a step of faith (ok, a "climb" of faith) to see Jesus more clearly- what will you do? Discuss some options offered under "Do" content and if there are other options- please share..........
Close in prayer and pray for each other to follow through on these action steps- consider giving permission to someone in your group to follow up with- and be accountable to.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
Read
Luke 19:1-10
Reflect
Read the Scripture passage with these 2 questions in mind:
* What details stood out to you or surprised you?
* What questions occur to you as you read this passage?
Do
Next Step Options:
* Take or re-fresh a class like Body Life, or Explorations
* Sign up for a Vision Dinner
* Try a new class like Two Trees, Heritage or Surprised by Hope
* Look into a new serving opportunity within The Crossing or with one of our Outreach Teams.
* Consider an individual devotional study using an app like First 5 or He/She Reads Truth or any number of online apps. (share with the group)