Radical Hospitality: Embracing Grace and Transformation
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Seeks and Welcomes the Outcast
No one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ love; He seeks out those who feel left out, overlooked, or unworthy, calling them by name and inviting them into relationship and restoration. When Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus, he was not ignored or shamed—instead, Jesus stopped, called him by name, and chose to be a guest in his home. This act of radical welcome shows that God’s grace is not reserved for the perfect or the popular, but is extended to all, especially those who feel most excluded. Jesus’ invitation to Zacchaeus is an invitation to each of us: to come down from our hiding places and receive the transforming love that restores our dignity and belonging. [28:23]
Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Reflection: Who in your life feels left out or overlooked? How can you extend a personal invitation or act of welcome to them this week, just as Jesus did for Zacchaeus?
Day 2: Grace Comes Before Change
God’s grace finds us before we ever seek Him, meeting us in our brokenness and calling us into transformation—not through shame, but through love and acceptance. Zacchaeus did not have to clean up his life before Jesus came to his house; instead, Jesus’ presence and acceptance led to Zacchaeus’ repentance and change. This is the heart of prevenient grace: God loves us first, sees us as we are, and invites us to a new way of living. We are not required to be worthy before we are welcomed; rather, it is God’s love that makes us whole and empowers us to change. [33:30]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel you need to “get it together” before coming to God? How might you let God’s grace meet you there today, trusting that His love comes first?
Day 3: Transformation Leads to Generosity and Restitution
When we truly encounter Jesus, our priorities shift from self-interest to generosity, and we are moved to repair the harm we have caused and bless others. Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus’ love was not just a feeling, but a concrete commitment: he gave half his possessions to the poor and repaid those he had cheated fourfold. This is the fruit of sanctification—when God’s love changes our hearts, it overflows into our actions, our stewardship, and our relationships. True transformation is visible in how we use our resources, our time, and our influence to serve and restore others. [44:05]
Luke 3:8-11 (NIV) “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Reflection: Is there someone you need to make things right with, or a way you can use your resources to bless someone in need this week? What step can you take today to let your transformation bear fruit?
Day 4: Stewardship Is a Grace-Filled Response, Not an Obligation
Stewardship—our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness—is not about guilt or obligation, but about responding to God’s generosity with open hands and hearts. Like Zacchaeus, we are called to give not because we must, but because love has changed our priorities and we trust in God’s abundance. Stewardship is about making space for God to work through us, so that our lives become a natural outreach of generosity, hospitality, and witness to others. When we give ourselves fully to God’s mission, we become living testimonies of His grace in the world. [47:46]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Reflection: How can you offer your prayers, presence, gifts, service, or witness in a new or deeper way this week—not out of duty, but as a joyful response to God’s love?
Day 5: Sharing the Story—Inviting Others into God’s Love
We are called not only to receive God’s love, but to embody it and invite others into the story of grace and belonging. Zacchaeus’ transformation became his testimony, and Jesus’ model of evangelism was simple: relationship, hospitality, and invitation. Our homework is to invite others—friends, neighbors, even strangers—to experience the love and welcome of Christ, not just with words, but by sharing why it matters to us and making space for them at the table. In a world where many feel alone or unworthy, our invitation can be the beginning of someone’s journey toward restoration and hope. [56:55]
Matthew 5:16 (NIV) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Reflection: Who are three people you can personally invite to church or to share a meal with you this week? How can you share your story of why God’s love matters to you, and make space for them to belong?
Sermon Summary
Today’s worship centered on the story of Zacchaeus, a man whose life was transformed by a single encounter with Jesus. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, was an outcast—wealthy in possessions but impoverished in relationships and community. He climbed a sycamore tree, not for fruit or shelter, but for a glimpse of hope, longing for something to change in his life. Jesus, seeing him, called him by name and invited himself into Zacchaeus’ home, breaking through the barriers of shame and exclusion that had defined Zacchaeus’ existence.
This encounter is a vivid picture of God’s grace: God seeks us out before we ever seek Him, calling us by name and inviting us into relationship, not to shame or condemn, but to restore and transform. Zacchaeus’ story reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love, and that true change begins not with guilt or obligation, but with the experience of being seen, known, and loved by God. When Zacchaeus received this grace, his response was immediate and generous—he gave back what he had taken and sought to repair the harm he had caused. His transformation was not just personal, but communal; it restored his place among his people and became a testimony to the power of God’s love.
We are called to live out this same grace in our own lives. Stewardship is not merely about money or church budgets, but about offering our whole selves—our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness—in response to God’s love. Evangelism is not about pamphlets or pressure, but about authentic relationships, inviting others to experience the same welcome and transformation we have received. Our task is to embody the radical hospitality of Jesus, making space at the table for all, and sharing the good news that no one is left out of God’s family. As we go into the world, may we be people who invite, welcome, and love, so that others may know they are seen, valued, and called by God.
Key Takeaways
1. God’s grace seeks us before we seek God. Zacchaeus’ story shows that God knows our name, sees us in our brokenness, and calls us into relationship not to shame, but to restore. This prevenient grace means that no one is beyond God’s reach, and our worth is not determined by our past or our failures, but by God’s love for us. [32:41]
2. True transformation is rooted in relationship, not transaction. Zacchaeus’ life changed not because he was shamed or coerced, but because he encountered Jesus’ unconditional acceptance. When we experience this kind of love, it compels us to make amends, to give generously, and to seek reconciliation with others—not out of guilt, but out of gratitude. [40:20]
3. Shame has no place in the kingdom of God. Jesus’ approach to Zacchaeus was to restore dignity and belonging, not to reinforce shame or exclusion. As followers of Christ, we are called to be agents of restoration, freeing others from the labels and burdens that keep them from knowing their true identity as beloved children of God. [34:31]
4. Stewardship is a holistic response to grace. It encompasses our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness—each a way of participating in God’s mission of healing and transformation. Our generosity is not about meeting quotas, but about reflecting the abundance and trustworthiness of God, and making space for others to experience God’s blessing. [46:07]
5. Evangelism is about authentic invitation and hospitality. Jesus’ model was not to condemn or pressure, but to invite people into relationship and community. Our calling is to notice those who feel left out, to invite them to the table, and to share our own story of why God’s love matters to us, so that others may find their place in God’s family. [55:16]
Luke 19:1-10 (NIV) — Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Observation Questions
What actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and what does this show about his desire or need? (Luke 19:3-4)
How did Jesus respond to Zacchaeus when he saw him in the tree? What did Jesus say and do? (Luke 19:5)
What was the reaction of the crowd when Jesus chose to go to Zacchaeus’ house? (Luke 19:7)
After his encounter with Jesus, what specific promises did Zacchaeus make, and how did Jesus respond to them? (Luke 19:8-10; [28:23])
Interpretation Questions
The sermon says Zacchaeus was “wealthy in possessions but impoverished in relationships and community.” What does this suggest about what really matters in life? ([31:54])
Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and invited himself into his home. What does this tell us about how God approaches us, especially when we feel unworthy or left out? ([32:41])
The sermon says, “Shame has no place in the kingdom of God.” How does Jesus’ treatment of Zacchaeus challenge the way we sometimes treat people who have made mistakes? ([34:31])
Zacchaeus’ transformation led him to make amends and give generously. What does this say about the connection between experiencing grace and how we treat others? ([44:05])
Application Questions
Zacchaeus climbed a tree because he was desperate for a glimpse of hope. Is there an area in your life where you feel like you’re “climbing a tree,” longing for change or for God to notice you? What would it look like to let Jesus meet you there? ([30:56])
The sermon says God’s grace seeks us before we seek God. Can you think of a time when you felt God reaching out to you before you were even looking for Him? How did you respond? ([32:41])
Jesus invited himself into Zacchaeus’ home, breaking through barriers of shame and exclusion. Are there people in your life or community who feel left out or unworthy? What is one practical way you could extend hospitality or friendship to them this week? ([34:31])
Zacchaeus’ response to grace was immediate and generous—he gave back what he had taken and tried to repair the harm he caused. Is there someone you need to make amends with, or a way you can be more generous in response to God’s love? ([44:05])
The sermon says stewardship is about offering our whole selves—prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Which of these areas comes most naturally to you, and which is most challenging? What is one step you could take to grow in the area that’s hardest for you? ([46:07])
Evangelism was described as authentic invitation and hospitality, not pressure or pamphlets. Who is someone you could invite to church or into your life this week, and how could you share why God’s love matters to you? ([55:16])
The sermon gave “homework” to invite three people to church and to share why it matters to you. Who are three people you could invite, and what would you say about why your faith and church community are important to you? ([56:55])
Sermon Clips
So in a moment of divine interruption, Jesus doesn't shame Zacchaeus. He calls him by name, Zacchaeus. And at the objection of many people, he invites himself to Zacchaeus home to break bread with him and to know him personally. And this is the radical love of God. It seeks us out. It calls us in. It claims us before we're ever able to claim God. And it transforms us from the inside out.
[00:32:34]
(54 seconds)
#RadicalLoveTransforms
So in a moment of divine interruption, Jesus doesn't shame Zacchaeus. He calls him by name, Zacchaeus. And at the objection of many people, he invites himself to Zacchaeus home to break bread with him and to know him personally. And this is the radical love of God. It seeks us out. It calls us in. It claims us before we're ever able to claim God. And it transforms us from the inside out.
[00:32:34]
(54 seconds)
#ComeDownToTell
God doesn't wait for Zacchaeus to be worthy of his love. And in the same way, God does not wait for us to be worthy, but meets us in our midst. And that's a wonderful thing because I know I have mists, and most of y' all do. Raise your hand if you're perfect. I want to talk to you afterwards. Okay? I want to talk to you afterwards. I want some tips.
[00:33:30]
(39 seconds)
#GraceKnowsNoWorthy
God doesn't wait for Zacchaeus to be worthy of his love. And in the same way, God does not wait for us to be worthy, but meets us in our midst. And that's a wonderful thing because I know I have mists, and most of y' all do. Raise your hand if you're perfect. I want to talk to you afterwards. Okay? I want to talk to you afterwards. I want some tips.
[00:33:30]
(39 seconds)
#GodCallsToTheTable
But this is the heart of grace, that God knows our name. He sees us in all of our brokenness. He sees what we're living through and what's being done to us. And he calls us into relationship, not to shame us. You see, shame is evil. Shame is from evil. There is no place in the house of God, in the realm of God, in the kingdom of God, for shame, because shame strips you from your dignity and yourself as being a child of God.
[00:34:11]
(37 seconds)
#NoRoomForShame
But this is the heart of grace, that God knows our name. He sees us in all of our brokenness. He sees what we're living through and what's being done to us. And he calls us into relationship, not to shame us. You see, shame is evil. Shame is from evil. There is no place in the house of God, in the realm of God, in the kingdom of God, for shame, because shame strips you from your dignity and yourself as being a child of God.
[00:34:11]
(37 seconds)
Not to shame us, but to restore us. And then once restored, God uses us to keep on spreading the good news. That's an awesome thing. He uses broken people to show other broken people that they don't need to be perfect to be loved. I think that's a beautiful message. I think that's a beautiful message that is not shared enough in this world where everybody is so critical of everybody else and everybody's trying to find a way to better someone else. Maybe it's not about any of that. And it's all about relationship. It's all about relationship.
[00:34:53]
(53 seconds)
#RestoredToSpreadLove
Not to shame us, but to restore us. And then once restored, God uses us to keep on spreading the good news. That's an awesome thing. He uses broken people to show other broken people that they don't need to be perfect to be loved. I think that's a beautiful message. I think that's a beautiful message that is not shared enough in this world where everybody is so critical of everybody else and everybody's trying to find a way to better someone else. Maybe it's not about any of that. And it's all about relationship. It's all about relationship.
[00:34:53]
(53 seconds)
When people feel loved, life is different. They experience joy, they experience peace. They can look in the mirror and say, I am a beloved child of God and not hear the other voices saying why they're not again. Those are evil voices. Those are shame filled voices. And God doesn't know anything about shame. Because shame destroys people.
[00:41:23]
(41 seconds)
#EvangelismIsRelational
When people feel loved, life is different. They experience joy, they experience peace. They can look in the mirror and say, I am a beloved child of God and not hear the other voices saying why they're not again. Those are evil voices. Those are shame filled voices. And God doesn't know anything about shame. Because shame destroys people.
[00:41:23]
(41 seconds)
When Jesus is seeking out Zacchaeus, we have an image there of prevenient grace, prevenient meaning to come before that. God in Christ recognized Zacchaeus and his need long before Zacchaeus ever knew anything salvific about Jesus. And in the same way that God seeks after Zacchaeus, he seeks after us. And when he finds us, it demands a change.
[00:42:34]
(40 seconds)
#FreedomFromBondage
When Jesus is seeking out Zacchaeus, we have an image there of prevenient grace, prevenient meaning to come before that. God in Christ recognized Zacchaeus and his need long before Zacchaeus ever knew anything salvific about Jesus. And in the same way that God seeks after Zacchaeus, he seeks after us. And when he finds us, it demands a change. Because when we receive a precious gift that we don't earn, what we want to do, not out of obligation but out of gratitude, is give something back.
[00:42:34]
(50 seconds)
Because when we receive a precious gift that we don't earn, what we want to do, not out of obligation but out of gratitude, is give something back. Last Week we talked about the chasm and bridging it. We want to bridge the chasms that we made in this life. If we, like Zacchaeus, stole from people, we want to pay back four times what we stole. If we haven't been generous with people, we want to be generous with people. If we haven't thought enough about people beyond ourselves and what they're going through, we want to not only think about other people, but we want to be someone who helps them in their time of need.
[00:43:14]
(50 seconds)
#PrevenientGraceCalls
At the beginning of the story, Zacchaeus was just sitting on a sturdy tree branch, hoping that Jesus would throw him a wave. At the end of the story, he's saved. He didn't pass a test. He didn't truly understand everything there was to understand. All he did was open his heart and his life enough for Jesus to enter and begin his work.
[00:49:38]
(42 seconds)
#ServiceIsMission
At the beginning of the story, Zacchaeus was just sitting on a sturdy tree branch, hoping that Jesus would throw him a wave. At the end of the story, he's saved. He didn't pass a test. He didn't truly understand everything there was to understand. All he did was open his heart and his life enough for Jesus to enter and begin his work.
[00:49:38]
(42 seconds)
``Zacchaeus isn't just saved, he's called and he's sent out into the world. He becomes a living witness to the truth that no one is beyond redemption. No one is beyond God's love. No one is uncared for. And no one, no one deserves to go through this rough life, rough world alone.
[00:50:20]
(29 seconds)
#StewardshipIsEvangelism
``Zacchaeus isn't just saved, he's called and he's sent out into the world. He becomes a living witness to the truth that no one is beyond redemption. No one is beyond God's love. No one is uncared for. And no one, no one deserves to go through this rough life, rough world alone.
[00:50:20]
(29 seconds)
You want nothing more as a child of God than for other people to know that they are children of God. You don't want anything more than that because there are people in this world that don't know and they're wreaking havoc on everything and everybody else. Just turn on the news. You don't have to watch it long. Then you can turn it off and turn to something more wholesome and holistic, like, I don't know what's more wholesome and holistic. 48 hours murder mysteries just know. Just know that God is still in the business of calling names. Today he's calling your name. He already knows the gifts that you have. He already knows the graces that you have. The question is, are we ready to open our hearts, climb up into that tree and wave like crazy for Jesus to notice? And when he does, will we come down just as quickly and sit at the table with the Lord that wants us to know how loved we truly are?
[00:52:13]
(82 seconds)
We want people to come not so they will be more like us. We want people to come so that we can all be a bit more like Jesus and a bit more loving. So that people know when they see the talking heads talking about, I'm a person of faith, I'm a person of faith, will they know that they truly are by their love? You shouldn't have to tell me. Jesus says, just show me. By how you live your life, they will know you are a Christian. By how they feel when you leave them. Do they feel loved and cared for or not? Maybe that's the only test of our stewardship.
[00:55:22]
(72 seconds)
#WaveForJesus
We want people to come not so they will be more like us. We want people to come so that we can all be a bit more like Jesus and a bit more loving. So that people know when they see the talking heads talking about, I'm a person of faith, I'm a person of faith, will they know that they truly are by their love? You shouldn't have to tell me. Jesus says, just show me. By how you live your life, they will know you are a Christian. By how they feel when you leave them. Do they feel loved and cared for or not? Maybe that's the only test of our stewardship.
[00:55:22]
(72 seconds)
