Trinity Baptist Church

Time to Make a You Turn

Episode Summary

Christ's meeting with Zacchaeus reveals His heart for the overlooked, how He dignifies the despised and transforms lives. Learn how to share His love and live out His example of compassion.

Episode Notes

Pastor David Rose launches our new series, The Magnificent Seven, by exploring Christ’s encounter with a wealthy tax collector. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 vividly illustrates how Christ seeks, dignifies, and transforms those society overlooks—a powerful picture of the Gospel in action. It also challenges us to examine our attitudes toward outcasts and provides practical applications for showing Christ-like compassion in our community.

Pastor David also introduces the practical SWORD method for Bible study, equipping believers to engage deeply with Scripture and effectively disciple others.

If you’ve ever felt overlooked or want to share Christ’s love with others, this message is for you.

Key Takeaways

Further Study

  1. In Luke 19:5-7, Jesus insists on staying at Zacchaeus’s house, despite public criticism. Compare this to other instances where Jesus faced opposition for dining with sinners (e.g., Matthew 9:10-13). What can we learn about balancing holiness with grace-filled outreach?
  2. Zacchaeus pledges half his wealth to the poor and makes restitution beyond the law’s requirements (Luke 19:8; Exodus 22:1-4). How does this illustrate the relationship between genuine salvation and transformed attitudes toward possessions?
  3. Reflect on Luke 19:10, where Jesus declares His purpose: “to seek and save the lost.” How does this connect to the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son in Luke 15? How does it shape our mission as His followers?
  4. Which character in this narrative resonates with you: Zacchaeus, the critical crowd, or those wronged by Zacchaeus? How does Jesus’s response to each group challenge or encourage you in your walk with Him?

The Gospel

If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it. Reach out to connect with us.

Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus through the crowd, just as we are spiritually blind apart from God’s grace. Though his name meant “righteous,” Zacchaeus’s life was marked by dishonesty and greed. Yet, Jesus took the initiative, calling him by name and inviting Himself into Zacchaeus’s home and heart.

This is the heart of the Gospel: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Salvation is entirely God’s work—Jesus didn’t need Zacchaeus; Zacchaeus needed Jesus.

Zacchaeus’s transformation reflects what happens when we encounter Christ. His immediate generosity wasn’t to earn salvation but as a joyful response to it.

Christ’s declaration, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9), reminds us that the Gospel is about transformation—from outcasts to children of God, from takers to givers. His mission, “to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10), underscores that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.

If you feel spiritually distant or weighed down by sin, know that Jesus sees you and calls you by name. Like Zacchaeus, you don’t need to clean yourself up before coming to Him. Simply trust in His finished work on the cross, and let His grace transform your life.

If you have questions about what it means to follow Jesus, we’d love to talk with you. Reach out today—you are never beyond the reach of His love.