This Week’s Experience – 8/8/2021

Message notes

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. As Jesus arrived under the tree He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry up and get down from there! I want to go to your home and be your guest.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Later at his home, Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated." Jesus said to Zacchaeus, "Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham. For I, the Son of Man, came to seek and save those who are lost.”

-Luke 19:1-10

Today’s Big Thought:

God me and wants to be in a relationship with me!

But the other criminal told the first one off, "Don't you fear God?  Aren't you getting the same punishment as this man? We got what was coming to us, but he didn't do anything wrong." Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” Jesus replied, "I promise that today you will be with me in paradise."

-Luke 23:40-43

Now through Christ Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

-Ephesians 2:13

1. I often keep God at a distance because of how I .

2. I often keep God at a distance because of how I .

So he went at once to his father. While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son, put his arms around him, and kissed him.

-Luke 15:20

Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me.

-Revelation 3:20

Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

-James 4:8

LIFE APPLICATION
To discuss during the week with your family or Life Group

1. Tell about a time you thought something looked good from a distance but once up close turned out to not be.
2. How does it make you feel to know just how much God wants to be in a relationship with you?
3. Have you made the mistake of keeping God at a distance because of either of the 2 points Gilbert discussed?
4. What stands out to you most in the story of Zacchaeus?
5. What is your next step as a result of this message?