Transformation Through Relationship
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as we come before You today, open our hearts to the transformative power of a relationship with You. Help us to see how Your love can change our lives and the lives of those around us. Amen.
"Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, 'I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!' Jesus responded, 'Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.'"
Luke 19:8-9 (NLT)
REFLECT:
Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus led to a radical transformation in his life. It was a direct result of feeling truly seen and accepted by Jesus. The transformation in Zacchaeus' life was immediate and profound. His willingness to give away half of his possessions and make restitution for his wrongs was a testament to the power of Jesus' love and acceptance. In his message, Christian reminded us that this should challenges us to consider how our own lives can reflect the transformative power of Jesus' love.
Zacchaeus' actions also demonstrate the fruit of genuine repentance. His encounter with Jesus led him to take concrete steps to right his wrongs and to live out his newfound faith. This challenges us to consider how our own lives reflect the transformative power of Jesus' love.
This weekend, Christian reminded us that Jesus' mission is to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus' story is a powerful example of this mission in action. Jesus saw beyond Zacchaeus' external circumstances and recognized his potential for transformation. This teaches us to see others through the eyes of Christ, recognizing their inherent worth and potential for change.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will share a meal with someone that needs to see God's love. By extending this same love and acceptance to someone may help them feel seen or worthy.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the transformative power of Your love. Help us to live out our faith in concrete ways and to extend Your love and acceptance to others. Transform our hearts and lives as we draw closer to You. Amen.