Encounters with Jesus: Stories of Faith and Transformation

Summary

Every person, no matter their background, status, or story, shares a common thread: an encounter with Jesus. Whether Pharisees, prostitutes, tax collectors, the rich, the poor, or everyday people, each one in the stories from Luke experienced Jesus in a unique way. Some responded with faith and transformation, others with skepticism or rejection. This diversity mirrors our own church community—different ages, cultures, and walks of life—yet all of us are faced with the same question: how will we respond to Jesus’ words and presence in our lives?

The power of story is central to how we learn and remember. The Bible itself is a collection of stories, passed down through generations, designed to engage our hearts and minds. When we hear these stories, we are invited not just to observe, but to enter in, to see ourselves in the characters, and to let the truth of God’s word shape us. Today, we walked through several stories from Luke: the leper who was healed by Jesus’ touch, the paralyzed man lowered through the roof, the tax collector Matthew called to follow, the centurion with great faith, the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet, the Good Samaritan, the prodigal son, the rich young ruler, and Zacchaeus the tax collector. Each story reveals something profound about God’s character and our own hearts.

These stories challenge us to reflect: What does this teach us about God? What does it reveal about humanity? And most importantly, what will we do with what we’ve heard? The invitation is not just to listen, but to respond—to let these stories move us to action, to repentance, to compassion, and to deeper faith. We are encouraged to share these stories with others, to let them shape our conversations and our witness in the world. Just as Jesus met people where they were, we are called to do the same, helping others find and follow Him.

Key Takeaways

- Jesus meets people in their brokenness, regardless of social status or reputation. Whether it’s the leper, the prostitute, or the tax collector, Jesus’ compassion breaks through cultural barriers and personal shame, offering healing and acceptance to those who come to Him in faith. His touch is not reserved for the “clean” or the “worthy,” but for all who recognize their need. [05:53]

- Faith is often demonstrated in action, not just belief. The friends who lowered the paralyzed man through the roof, the centurion who trusted Jesus’ authority, and Zacchaeus who gave away his wealth all acted on their faith. True faith moves us beyond words to tangible steps of obedience and generosity, even when it costs us something. [10:15]

- God’s forgiveness is extravagant and transformative. The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and the prodigal son both experienced a forgiveness that went beyond what they could have hoped for. This forgiveness is not based on merit, but on God’s love and grace, and it leads to deep gratitude and a changed life. [17:59]

- The call to follow Jesus is radical and demands our whole lives. Jesus challenges those who want to follow Him to count the cost, to let go of comfort, possessions, and even family ties if necessary. Following Jesus is not about half-hearted commitment, but about surrendering everything to Him and trusting that He is worth it. [20:51]

- The stories of Jesus are meant to be shared and lived out in community. We are invited not just to hear these stories, but to discuss them, reflect on them, and let them shape our relationships and our witness. As we share what we’ve learned and how we’ve been changed, we help others encounter Jesus for themselves. [25:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:17] - Why Stories Matter
[04:23] - Questions for Reflection
[05:53] - Jesus Heals the Leper
[07:11] - The Paralyzed Man and Forgiveness
[08:10] - Calling of Matthew
[08:55] - Jesus Eats with Sinners
[10:15] - The Centurion’s Faith
[11:18] - The Woman Who Anointed Jesus’ Feet
[16:25] - The Good Samaritan
[17:12] - The Prodigal Son
[19:16] - The Older Brother’s Response
[20:14] - The Rich Young Ruler
[21:36] - Zacchaeus Encounters Jesus
[23:39] - What Do These People Have in Common?
[25:07] - Group Discussion and Challenge
[27:16] - Final Encouragement and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Encounters with Jesus in Luke

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### Bible Reading

Read the following stories from the Gospel of Luke (ESV):

- Luke 5:12-16 – Jesus Heals a Man with Leprosy
- Luke 5:17-26 – Jesus Heals a Paralytic
- Luke 7:36-50 – A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus’ Feet
- Luke 19:1-10 – Jesus and Zacchaeus

(Feel free to skim the stories or pick one or two to read aloud as a group.)

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### Observation Questions

1. In the story of the leper (Luke 5:12-16), what did the man do that was unusual for someone with leprosy in that culture? How did Jesus respond?
[[05:53]]

2. When the paralyzed man’s friends couldn’t get through the crowd, what did they do to bring him to Jesus? What was Jesus’ first response to the man?
[[07:11]]

3. In the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), what actions did Zacchaeus take after meeting Jesus?
[[21:36]]

4. What kinds of people are included in these stories? List as many as you can remember from the sermon.
[[23:39]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What do these stories reveal about how Jesus treats people who are considered “outsiders” or “unclean” by society?
[[05:53]]

2. Why do you think Jesus often responded to people’s faith with action, like healing or forgiveness? What does this say about the connection between faith and action?
[[10:15]]

3. The woman who anointed Jesus’ feet and the prodigal son both experienced deep forgiveness. How did that forgiveness change their lives and attitudes?
[[17:59]]

4. Jesus’ call to follow Him often required people to leave behind comfort, possessions, or even relationships. Why do you think Jesus made such radical demands?
[[20:51]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about the different people who encountered Jesus in these stories—lepers, tax collectors, the rich, the poor, religious leaders, and sinners. Which character do you relate to most right now, and why?
[[23:39]]

2. Jesus met people in their brokenness and offered acceptance and healing. Is there an area of your life where you need to let Jesus meet you as you are, without pretending or hiding? What would it look like to bring that to Him this week?
[[05:53]]

3. The friends of the paralyzed man went to great lengths to bring him to Jesus. Who in your life needs help getting closer to Jesus? What is one practical step you could take to help them this week?
[[07:11]]

4. Zacchaeus responded to Jesus by giving away his wealth and making things right with others. Is there something in your life—possessions, habits, relationships—that Jesus might be asking you to surrender or change? What would it cost you to obey?
[[21:36]]

5. The stories of Jesus are meant to be shared and lived out in community. Who is someone you could share one of these stories with this week? How might you bring up the story in a natural conversation?
[[25:07]]

6. The sermon challenged us not just to listen, but to respond. What is one specific action you feel prompted to take after hearing these stories? How can the group support you in this?
[[25:07]]

7. Jesus’ forgiveness led to gratitude and a changed life for those who received it. How has God’s forgiveness changed you? Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from this week?
[[17:59]]

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Closing Challenge:
Don’t let these stories stay in the group—take them with you. This week, look for opportunities to see yourself in these stories, to respond to Jesus, and to help others find and follow Him.
[[27:16]]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Brings Good News and Freedom to All

Jesus began his ministry by declaring that the Spirit of the Lord had anointed him to proclaim good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, and freedom for the oppressed. This message was not just for a select few, but for everyone—regardless of background, status, or past mistakes. The heart of Jesus’ mission is to bring hope, healing, and restoration to those who recognize their need for him. As you reflect on this, consider how Jesus’ words and actions invite you to experience his freedom and share it with others. [04:23]

Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel captive or in need of Jesus’ freedom, and how can you invite him to bring healing and hope to that area today?


Day 2: Faith in Jesus Leads to Forgiveness and Transformation

Throughout his ministry, Jesus responded to people’s faith—whether it was the leper who approached him for healing, the friends who lowered the paralytic through the roof, or the woman who washed his feet with her tears. Jesus not only healed physical ailments but also forgave sins, showing that faith in him leads to both spiritual and physical transformation. No matter your past or your present struggles, Jesus honors genuine faith and offers forgiveness and new life. [08:10]

Luke 5:20-24 (ESV)
“And when he saw their faith, he said, ‘Man, your sins are forgiven you.’ And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, ‘Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, ‘Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven you,” or to say, “Rise and walk”? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he said to the man who was paralyzed—‘I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.’”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to trust Jesus for forgiveness or transformation? What step of faith can you take today to bring that to him?


Day 3: God’s Mercy Calls Us to Love and Forgive Others

Jesus’ parables and actions reveal a God who is merciful and compassionate, welcoming sinners, forgiving debts, and restoring the lost. The story of the prodigal son and the parable of the Good Samaritan both highlight the call to extend mercy and forgiveness to others, just as God has shown mercy to us. True love for God is demonstrated in how we love and care for our neighbors, especially those who are hurting or marginalized. [16:25]

Luke 10:27-37 (ESV)
“And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.’ But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.” Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that needs to experience God’s mercy through you today, and what practical step can you take to show them compassion?


Day 4: Responding to Jesus Requires Surrender and Action

Many people encountered Jesus—Pharisees, tax collectors, the rich, the poor, and sinners of all kinds—but their responses varied. Some followed him wholeheartedly, leaving behind their old lives, while others turned away, unable to surrender what they valued most. Encountering Jesus always calls for a response: will you reject his words, or will you act on what he is saying to you? The invitation is to surrender your own plans and follow him, trusting that his way leads to true life. [23:39]

Matthew 19:21-22 (ESV)
“Jesus said to him, ‘If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”

Reflection: What is one thing you are holding onto that keeps you from fully following Jesus, and what would it look like to surrender it to him today?


Day 5: Sharing Jesus’ Story Changes Lives

The power of Jesus’ stories and teachings is not meant to stay within the walls of the church or in our private reflections. We are called to share what we have learned and experienced with others, just as the early followers of Jesus did. Whether through conversation, acts of kindness, or simply telling a story that points to Jesus, your willingness to share can impact someone’s life and help them encounter Christ. Don’t let what you’ve heard stay with you—let it overflow into your relationships and community. [27:16]

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’”

Reflection: Who is one person you can share a story of Jesus with this week, and how will you start that conversation?

Quotes

When we hear something in a story form, it kind of brings out some emotions sometimes, right? The characters, that's why they're told that way. It also makes us think back to certain things in our own life, like, oh, I remember this, or I can relate there. So stories are powerful in that regard. [00:03:08] (19 seconds)  #PowerOfStorytelling Edit Clip

There was a man, he was a money lender, and he had two debtors, one who owed him two hundred dollars and another who owed him three thousand dollars. He decided to forgive both of them. Which one of the men do you think he loved the money lender more because of that? And the Pharisee said, well, I'm guessing the one who had the bigger debt loved the money lender more. And he said, yeah, I came into your house and you did not give me any water for my feet to wash, but this woman, she has washed my feet with her hair and her tears. I came into your house and you didn't greet me with a kiss, but she's not stopped kissing my feet. I came into your house and you did not give me oil for my head, but she's anointed my feet with perfume. I tell you that even though her sins are many and very evident that they are forgiven because she loves much, but those who are forgiven little love little. [00:12:04] (64 seconds)  #ForgivenessAndLove Edit Clip

There was a man who was coming from Jerusalem down to Jericho and as he was making this journey he fell into some robbers and these robbers beat him and stole all of his money, took all of his possessions and left him for dead on the road. Now by good fortune a priest was walking that way, a fellow Jew walking that way. He saw the man almost dead but he crossed the road and continued on his way. Now it just so happened that a Levite also came and this Levite, he came and he saw again his own countryman laying dead, almost dead, but crossed the street the same and went. Now a foreigner was on a long journey, he was the Samaritan, and he was coming and he came to the spot and he sees this man and his heart is filled with compassion and he gets off of his horse and he gets down and he begins caring for the man's wounds, bandaging them. He takes his own wine and own oil and he pours it on the man's injuries and then he picks the man up and puts it on his donkey or his horse and he takes him into the local inn and he takes care of him there and pays his stay. And then as he leaves, he gives the innkeeper money saying, take care of this man. And when I return, if he's accrued any more debt, I will pay all of it. [00:14:58] (86 seconds)  #CompassionInAction Edit Clip

The older son was furious and refused to go inside. So again, the father went out to him and said, why are you not coming in? And he said, what are you doing? This son of yours, who's dishonored you, brought shame to our family, spent all of the money on his own desires and prostitutes and all these things, now comes crawling back and you throw him the party of the century. I have never left you nor dishonored you. And I've been here the whole time and you haven't even given me a small goat in celebration that I can spend with my friends. So the father looked at him and said, you are with me and all I have is yours. But we had to celebrate for your brother was dead and now he's alive. [00:19:33] (48 seconds)  #ImpossibleWithManPossibleWithGod Edit Clip

How hard is it for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven? It's easier for the camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven. Now the disciples were thinking, how can this be? Who then can be saved? And Jesus said, with man, this is impossible. But with God, all things are possible. [00:21:14] (25 seconds)  #RepentanceAndRestoration Edit Clip

Not only do they interact with Jesus, but they're all sinners, just like we're all sinners. We all have areas that either we are closer or further away from that line than somebody else. But the whole point of here, of us here at Boulder Mountain is that our goal is to help people find and follow Jesus. And Jesus has given us his word and that we can use that to bless the people around us. [00:27:27] (26 seconds)  #CarryTheMessage Edit Clip

We all have areas that either we are closer or further away from that line than somebody else. But the whole point of here, of us here at Boulder Mountain is that our goal is to help people find and follow Jesus. [00:27:32] (15 seconds)  #ApplyAndAct Edit Clip