Drawing Near: The Transformative Power of Following Jesus
Summary
Today’s focus is on what it truly means to follow Jesus—not from a distance, but up close, with passion and intentionality. Many people settle for observing Jesus from afar, content with a vague idea of who He is, but never experiencing the transformation that comes from real proximity. Just as Zacchaeus climbed a tree out of curiosity, not expecting an encounter, many approach Jesus with low expectations, thinking their past or their shame disqualifies them from closeness. Yet, Jesus calls us by name, inviting Himself into our lives, not to condemn, but to bring joy, restoration, and a new identity.
Distance distorts our perception. Like mistaking a porcupine for a bear from far away, we often misunderstand God’s heart when we keep Him at arm’s length. Zacchaeus’ story in Luke 19 reveals that when we allow Jesus to draw near, everything changes. Zacchaeus, once a notorious thief, becomes generous and repentant—not because Jesus shamed him, but because the presence of Jesus transformed his heart. This is the heart of heaven: God’s desire is not just for us to follow, but to follow passionately and closely.
The barriers that keep us distant are often rooted in how we see ourselves and how we see Jesus. Shame, guilt, and a sense of unworthiness can convince us that God wants nothing to do with us. But the cross proves otherwise. Even in His final moments, Jesus assured a criminal dying beside Him that he would be with Him in paradise. The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death is God’s declaration that nothing stands between us and His presence anymore.
The closer we get to Jesus, the more we discover His love and compassion. Like the prodigal son, we may expect rebuke, but find embrace. Jesus doesn’t come to berate us for our failures; He comes to share a meal, to befriend, and to transform. The invitation is simple: draw near. When we take a step toward God, He always moves toward us. This is the promise—come close to God, and He will come close to you.
Key Takeaways
- Proximity Changes Everything
Keeping Jesus at a distance leads to misconceptions about who He is and what He desires for us. Just as Zacchaeus’ perspective changed when he allowed Jesus into his home, our hearts are transformed when we move from observation to intimacy. True following requires closeness, not just curiosity. [22:59]
- God Knows You by Name and Wants to Be Close
Jesus called Zacchaeus by name, demonstrating that God’s invitation is personal and intentional. No matter how isolated, ashamed, or unworthy we feel, God’s heart is to draw near and restore us. He is never distracted or disinterested; His attention is fixed on us, even in our mess. [33:15]
- Shame and Guilt Are Barriers, Not Disqualifiers
The enemy uses our failures to convince us that we must stay away from God, but our sin does not change God’s heart toward us. Like the criminal on the cross, when we lean into Jesus—even at our lowest—He responds with grace and acceptance, offering not just a moment of relief but a lifetime of relationship. [41:31]
- How We See Jesus Determines What We Receive
If we expect God to be harsh or distant, we will keep Him at arm’s length and miss out on His compassion. The prodigal son’s story shows that the closer we get, the more we discover the Father’s true heart—one of love, embrace, and restoration. Our willingness to approach God opens the door to transformation. [44:00]
- Jesus Invites Us to Deep Friendship, Not Transaction
Jesus stands at the door and knocks, not to hand out a “get out of hell” card, but to share a meal as friends. He desires genuine relationship, not religious performance. When we open the door, He enters our lives, and His presence brings repentance, generosity, and lasting change. [48:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Series Introduction: Following Jesus
[03:45] - The Importance of Passionate Pursuit
[06:10] - The Impact of Distance on Perspective
[10:20] - The Bear and the Porcupine: A Lesson on Perception
[14:00] - Observing vs. Knowing Jesus
[19:39] - Zacchaeus: The Distant Seeker
[24:49] - Encounter in Luke 19:1-10
[27:50] - Zacchaeus’ Isolation and Curiosity
[30:54] - Jesus’ Surprising Invitation
[33:15] - Transformation Through Proximity
[36:11] - The Criminal on the Cross: Grace in Chaos
[38:15] - The Tearing of the Curtain: God’s Open Invitation
[41:31] - Barriers to Closeness: Shame and Self-Perception
[44:00] - The Prodigal Son: Discovering the Father’s Heart
[48:00] - Jesus’ True Invitation: Friendship and Change
[51:44] - Response: Draw Near to God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Draw Near – Following Jesus Up Close
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus)
- Luke 23:39-43 (The criminal on the cross)
- Revelation 3:20 (Jesus stands at the door and knocks)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 19:1-10, what actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and how did Jesus respond to him?
2. According to the story of the criminal on the cross in Luke 23:39-43, what did the criminal ask Jesus, and what was Jesus’ reply?
3. In Revelation 3:20, what does Jesus say He will do if someone opens the door to Him?
4. The sermon described how Zacchaeus’ heart changed after Jesus came to his house. What specific changes did Zacchaeus make? [[31:32]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Zacchaeus, despite his wealth and position, felt the need to climb a tree just to see Jesus? What does this say about his expectations or feelings about himself? [[27:50]]
2. The criminal on the cross asked Jesus to remember him. What does Jesus’ response reveal about God’s heart toward people who feel unworthy or ashamed? [[36:11]]
3. The sermon said, “Distance distorts our perception.” How does keeping Jesus at a distance affect the way people see God and themselves? [[22:59]]
4. Jesus’ invitation in Revelation 3:20 is to share a meal as friends, not just to hand out a “get out of hell” card. What does this say about the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us? [[48:00]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about how shame and guilt can keep us at a distance from God. Is there an area in your life where you feel unworthy or ashamed to draw near to Jesus? What would it look like to bring that to Him this week? [[41:31]]
2. Zacchaeus’ story shows that Jesus knows us by name and wants to be close, even when we feel isolated or like an outsider. Can you think of a time when you felt overlooked or unimportant? How might Jesus be inviting you to experience His attention and care right now? [[33:15]]
3. The closer Zacchaeus got to Jesus, the more his heart changed. Is there a practical step you can take this week to move from “observing” Jesus to actually spending time with Him? What would that look like for you? [[22:59]]
4. The sermon mentioned that how we see Jesus determines what we receive from Him. Are there any misconceptions you have about God that might be holding you back from getting closer? How could you challenge those this week? [[44:00]]
5. Jesus’ invitation is to friendship, not just religious performance. What is one way you can make your relationship with Jesus more personal and less about “checking the boxes”? [[48:00]]
6. When the prodigal son returned, he expected rebuke but found embrace. Is there a relationship in your life where you need to offer or receive grace instead of judgment? How can you take a step toward that this week? [[44:00]]
7. The promise in James 4:8 (referenced in the sermon) is that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. What is one small, specific way you can “draw near” to God this week? [[51:44]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to take a step closer to Jesus this week, trusting that He welcomes them with love and not condemnation.
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy with Jesus Transforms Perception and Heart
Many people keep Jesus at a distance, content to observe Him from afar without allowing His presence to penetrate their lives. This distance distorts understanding, much like mistaking a porcupine for a bear from far away. True transformation begins when curiosity turns into intentional closeness, as seen in Zacchaeus’ story. When Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ home, the man’s heart was radically changed—not through shame or condemnation, but through the power of proximity and relationship. Following Jesus is not a casual or distant endeavor; it requires passionate pursuit and a willingness to move beyond surface-level knowledge into deep intimacy. This closeness opens the door for transformation that observation alone cannot produce. [22:59]
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a)
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.” (Proverbs 1:5-6)
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally move from merely observing Jesus to inviting Him into a specific area of your life this week? How can you cultivate a posture of closeness rather than distance today?
Day 2: God’s Personal Invitation Breaks Isolation and Shame
Jesus calling Zacchaeus by name reveals the deeply personal nature of God’s invitation to each of us. No matter how isolated, ashamed, or unworthy you may feel, God’s heart is fixed on you with intentionality and love. He is never distracted or disinterested, even in the messiest parts of your life. This personal call is an invitation to relationship, not judgment. God desires to restore and renew your identity, drawing you close so that you can experience joy and transformation. When you recognize that God knows you intimately and wants to be near, it changes how you respond to His call. [33:15]
“The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.” (Isaiah 49:1)
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1-2)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or distant from God. How does knowing that He calls you by name and desires closeness challenge that feeling today? Can you speak His name back to Him in trust?
Day 3: Shame and Guilt Are Barriers, Not Final Verdicts
The enemy often uses shame and guilt to convince us that we are disqualified from God’s presence. Yet, the story of the criminal on the cross beside Jesus shows that even at our lowest, leaning into Jesus invites grace and acceptance. Our failures do not change God’s heart toward us. The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus’ death symbolizes that no barrier remains between us and God’s presence. Shame and guilt may create walls in our minds, but they are not God’s final word. Instead, God offers a lifetime of relationship, restoration, and grace when we choose to draw near despite our brokenness. [41:31]
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)
Reflection: Identify one area where shame or guilt has kept you from drawing near to God. What is one practical step you can take today to lean into Jesus’ grace instead of your feelings of unworthiness?
Day 4: Seeing Jesus Clearly Opens the Door to Compassion
How we perceive Jesus shapes what we receive from Him. If we expect harshness or distance, we will keep Him at arm’s length and miss the fullness of His compassion. The story of the prodigal son illustrates that approaching God with fear of rebuke often leads instead to an embrace of love and restoration. When we choose to see Jesus as a loving Father who welcomes us home, we open ourselves to transformation. Our willingness to approach God with honest hearts invites His healing and renewal. The Father’s heart is always ready to receive us with open arms, no matter how far we have wandered. [44:00]
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)
“Like a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13)
Reflection: What preconceived ideas about God might be keeping you from fully embracing His compassion? How can you intentionally reframe your view of Jesus to reflect His true heart today?
Day 5: Jesus Seeks Friendship, Not Formality or Performance
Jesus’ invitation is not transactional; He does not come to offer a checklist or a “get out of hell” card. Instead, He desires deep friendship—sharing meals, stories, and life together. When we open the door to Him, He enters and brings genuine change marked by repentance, generosity, and lasting transformation. This relationship is not about religious performance but about authentic connection. Jesus stands patiently, knocking, waiting for us to respond with openness. His presence is the catalyst for a heart that turns toward generosity and grace, reflecting the nature of true friendship. [48:00]
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Reflection: In what ways have you treated your relationship with Jesus as a checklist or obligation rather than friendship? What is one way you can invite Jesus into your daily life as a close friend starting today?
Quotes
And as Jesus is speaking with him, having a meal with him, Zacchaeus' heart radically begins to change. And Zacchaeus goes from a thief to one of the most generous people in town. Zacchaeus goes from a man who has, you know, wronged his friends and his neighbors, and he says, I'll pay them back more, four times more than I ever took from them. What happens? Zacchaeus has a heart change. Guys, this is what God wants to do in your life, and this is what he wants to do in my life. But it won't happen unless we let Jesus get close to us. [00:32:43] (32 seconds)
This wasn't just something for Zacchaeus. This example is an example for you and it's for me to let us know God knows you by name, and he wants to be close to you. He's interested in you. Have you ever been talking with somebody and you realize they are not connected with you at all right now? [00:33:15] (17 seconds)
A Zacchaeus, a notorious sinner who's been basically given a death sentence of isolation from others. And Jesus says, today you will be with me. What? That like blows my mind away. I think like Jesus could have easily said to the criminal hanging on the cross, yo, dude, yo, Mr. Criminal, Mr. Sinner. Are you crazy? Are you nuts? Can you remember all the lives and the people you have hurt? And you want me to remember you in heaven? Are you crazy? Jesus didn't say that. He didn't say that. Jesus could have even been nicer. Okay, all right, man. Look, once I take care of all of the old women, I take care of the orphans, I take care of the widows, I take care of the poor. If I still have time, I'll get to it. But that's not what Jesus says to him. That's what maybe you and me would have said to that criminal. But Jesus says to that guy, today you'll be with me. Guys, that's the heart of God. [00:36:52] (65 seconds)
The very second Jesus gives up his last breath, the very second Jesus pays the price for your sin and for my sin that separated you and me from God, that very second, God rips the curtain. He doesn't wait another moment. He wants to send a signal to you and me. I want to be close to you. There's no reason for you to be at a distance from me. [00:39:34] (25 seconds)
Once you saw him from a distance and you only thought you knew him. But now because of the blood of Christ and the curtain being ripped in two, God goes, now you can be close to me. Now you can really know who I am. [00:40:53] (15 seconds)
See, Zacchaeus saw himself as unworthy to be with God. He saw himself as the sinner that everyone called him. He saw his guilt and he felt his shame. And all of those things kept him at a distance from God. He could have used his influence. He could have used his wealth. He could have manipulated things. He could have had Jesus over to his house. He could have set that all up if he wanted to. But he chose not to. Why? Because he was ashamed of his actions. And in his shame and in his guilt and his sense of unworthiness he stayed purposefully at a distance from God. [00:41:31] (34 seconds)
my sin might separate me from God but it hasn't changed God's heart towards me so the way that you see yourself will affect whether you're going to get close to God or you're just going to view him from a distance and sin separates you but it doesn't change God's heart towards you so what should you do you should run towards Jesus not away from him that's what the criminal did the criminal in a moment of breathing his last breaths by the way leans in towards Jesus makes a move towards Jesus and what does he get he gets something better than he even expected today you will be with me and by the way when Jesus said today you will be with me that wasn't just for a moment that was for a lifetime so when you lean into Jesus not only this changed the moment but he can change the lifetime [00:42:27] (53 seconds)
the closer that the son got to the father this distance of what he thought the father was and what the father was going to do radically changed and he discovered he wasn't just going to be a man who worked for the father but no the father was going to love him and restore him to be his son in Luke chapter 15 verse 20 it says that while the son was still a long ways off his father saw him coming and listen to this the father filled with love and compassion he ran to his son embraced him and kissed him the closer that the son got to God the more he discovered God's true heart the closer Zacchaeus got to Jesus the more he discovered God's true heart when Zacchaeus got close to Jesus what did he discover Jesus was full of love and compassion he wasn't like the Romans he wasn't like all of the other Jewish people Jesus was full of love and compassion my friends I'm telling you today the closer that you get to Jesus the more you're going to discover Jesus is full of love and compassion [00:49:55] (71 seconds)
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