2025-09-21_-_A_Glorious_Scandal_-_Rev._Paul_Ipema_92225038561322.txt

of the Sermon**

This sermon explores the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10, focusing on the scandalous grace of Jesus Christ that seeks and saves even those considered most unworthy. The preacher draws parallels between Zacchaeus and other figures in Christian history—like Augustine, John Bunyan, John Newton, and the Apostle Paul—who were once seen as beyond the reach of redemption. The message challenges the congregation to confront their own assumptions about who is "too far gone" for the gospel, and to recognize that the grace of Christ is not only for the obviously broken, but for all, including ourselves. The transformation of Zacchaeus is held up as evidence that true encounter with Jesus always results in real, tangible change. The sermon closes by inviting listeners to rejoice in the scandal of grace and to examine their own hearts for areas in need of transformation.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. No One Is Beyond the Reach of Grace The story of Zacchaeus, like those of Paul, Augustine, Bunyan, and Newton, confronts our tendency to write certain people off as hopeless. The gospel is not limited by our prejudices or by the depth of someone’s past sins. If we believe that some are “too far gone,” we misunderstand both the power and the purpose of Christ’s mission. The grace of Jesus is scandalous precisely because it reaches those we least expect.
• 2. The Initiative of Jesus in Salvation While Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus, the deeper truth is that Jesus was seeking Zacchaeus. The language of “I must stay at your house today” reveals a divine appointment, not a reward for Zacchaeus’ initiative or contrition. Salvation is always first and foremost God’s work—He pursues, He calls, and He transforms. Our seeking is always a response to His prior seeking of us.
• 3. Transformation Is the Evidence of Grace Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus—radical generosity and restitution—was not the condition for grace, but its fruit. True encounter with Christ always results in change, often in ways that go beyond what the law requires or what others expect. The gospel does not leave us as it finds us; it produces a new heart, new priorities, and a willingness to make right what we have wronged.
• 4. The Scandal of Grace Offends the Self-Righteous The crowd’s grumbling at Jesus’ acceptance of Zacchaeus mirrors the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son and Jonah’s anger at Nineveh’s repentance. Grace is offensive to those who believe they have earned God’s favor or who resent mercy shown to others. The gospel exposes our own need for grace, challenging us to rejoice in the salvation of others rather than sulk over perceived unfairness.
• 5. The Gospel Demands Honest Self-Examination and Change The story of Zacchaeus is not just for the obviously sinful “out there,” but for each of us. The call of Christ is to ongoing transformation—putting off the old self and putting on the new. We are invited to ask ourselves, “What needs to change in me?” and to welcome the sometimes uncomfortable work of grace that brings us from death to life. The gospel is about radical change, not by our own effort, but by the power of Christ at work within us.

1. What details does Luke give us about Zacchaeus’ background and reputation in Jericho?
2. How does Jesus initiate the encounter with Zacchaeus, and what specific words does he use?
3. How do the people in the crowd react when Jesus chooses to stay at Zacchaeus’ house?
4. What is Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus’ acceptance, and what actions does he promise to take?

1. Why do you think the crowd was so offended by Jesus’ decision to stay with Zacchaeus? What does this reveal about their understanding of grace?
2. The sermon mentioned that Jesus’ words, “I must stay at your house today,” show a divine appointment. What does this teach about who takes the initiative in salvation?
3. Zacchaeus’ generosity and restitution go beyond what the law required. What does this suggest about the nature of true transformation after encountering Jesus?
4. The preacher compared the crowd’s reaction to the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son and to Jonah’s anger at Nineveh’s repentance. What do these stories have in common about people’s response to God’s grace?

1. The sermon challenged us to consider who we might see as “too far gone” for the gospel. Is there anyone in your life, or any type of person, you tend to write off as hopeless? What would it look like to see them through the eyes of Jesus’ grace?
2. Zacchaeus was seen as a traitor and a sinner, yet Jesus sought him out. Are there people you avoid or judge harshly because of their past or reputation? How might God be calling you to reach out to them?
3. The preacher said that true encounters with Jesus always result in real, tangible change. Can you identify an area in your own life where you have seen God’s grace produce change? Is there an area where you still resist transformation?
4. The crowd grumbled at Jesus’ acceptance of Zacchaeus. Have you ever struggled to rejoice when someone you thought was undeserving received forgiveness or a second chance? How did you handle those feelings?
5. The story of Zacchaeus is not just for the “obviously sinful” but for all of us. What is one specific thing in your life that needs to change as a result of God’s grace? Are you willing to let Jesus address it?
6. The sermon mentioned that the gospel is about radical change, not by our own effort, but by the power of Christ at work within us. What steps can you take this week to open yourself up to God’s transforming work?
7. The preacher invited us to rejoice in the scandal of grace. What would it look like for you to celebrate God’s grace in your own life and in the lives of others, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfair?