Transformative Encounters: Saying 'Yes' to Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Encounters with Jesus Lead to True Transformation

When someone truly encounters Jesus, it is impossible to remain unchanged; the heart is stirred, priorities are shifted, and a desire to live differently emerges. Zacchaeus, once consumed by wealth and self-interest, experienced a radical transformation after meeting Jesus—his actions and attitudes changed, and he longed to make things right and bless others. Authentic encounters with Christ always result in a visible shift, moving us from self-centeredness to a life marked by generosity, repentance, and purpose. If you have met Jesus, your life will reflect His grace and power, not just in belief but in the way you live and love. [09:13]

Luke 19:1-10 (ESV)
He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God calling you to change or make amends as a result of encountering Jesus? How can you take a concrete step toward that transformation today?

Day 2: Seize the Opportunity—Say Yes to God’s Call

God often presents us with defining moments—opportunities to respond to His prompting and step into something new. Zacchaeus could have let the crowd, his reputation, or his own insecurities hold him back, but instead, he seized the moment and said yes to Jesus. Our “yes” to God opens the door to His supernatural work in our lives, leading us into purpose and blessing we could never achieve on our own. When you sense God’s Spirit stirring your heart, don’t delay or make excuses; today is the day to respond and step into what He has for you. [10:13]

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV)
As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Reflection: Is there a prompting or invitation from God that you have been putting off? What would it look like to say “yes” to Him today, even if it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient?

Day 3: Let Jesus Into Every Room—Even the Messy Ones

Jesus desires more than a fleeting encounter; He wants a deep, ongoing relationship that reaches into every part of our lives, even the places we try to hide. Like Zacchaeus, who welcomed Jesus into his home without pretense, we are invited to open every “room” of our hearts—our struggles, addictions, doubts, and pain—to Him. Jesus is not offended by our mess; He is drawn to it, ready to bring healing, freedom, and transformation. Don’t keep any area off-limits—let Him in, and watch as He brings new life where you need it most. [17:27]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one “room” or area of your life you have kept closed off from Jesus? How can you invite Him into that space today and trust Him with your mess?

Day 4: You Are Blessed to Be a Blessing—Step Into God’s Adventure

God’s heart is not only to bless you but to empower you to be a blessing to others. Like Abraham, who was called out of comfort into a new adventure, and like Zacchaeus, whose encounter with Jesus led him to generosity, we are invited to step out in faith and play our part in God’s mission. This may feel risky or uncomfortable, but God promises His presence and provision as we follow Him. You are not just saved for yourself—you are called to make a difference in the world around you. [21:33]

Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Reflection: Where is God inviting you to step out of your comfort zone to bless others? What is one practical way you can be a blessing to someone this week?

Day 5: You Are Needed—Play Your Part in God’s Family

Every believer is uniquely created and called by God to contribute to His work; there are no unnecessary or unworthy members in His family. The enemy may whisper that you are not needed, not ready, or too broken, but God says you are His masterpiece, created for good works. The church is a body, and every part matters—seen or unseen, strong or weak. Don’t let fear, shame, or passivity keep you on the sidelines. It’s time to get up, take your place, and let God use you for His glory and the good of others. [24:20]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Reflection: What is one way you can step out of passivity and serve or connect more deeply in your church community this week? Who can you reach out to or encourage as you play your part?

Sermon Summary

The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 offers a powerful picture of what happens when a person truly encounters Jesus. Zacchaeus, a wealthy but despised tax collector, was searching for something more than what his possessions and status could offer. Despite the crowd’s rejection, he seized his opportunity to see Jesus, climbing a tree just to catch a glimpse. Jesus, seeing Zacchaeus’ hunger, called him by name and invited himself into Zacchaeus’ home. This wasn’t just a fleeting encounter; it was the beginning of a deep, transformative relationship.

True encounters with Christ always lead to transformation. Zacchaeus’ life was radically changed—not just in a private, internal way, but in a way that overflowed into action. He immediately responded by giving half his possessions to the poor and making restitution to those he had wronged. This is the mark of authentic faith: not just being blessed, but becoming a blessing, stepping into the purpose God has for each of us.

God is always looking for our “yes.” Like Zacchaeus, we are given moments of opportunity—moments when the Spirit prompts us to respond, to open our lives, even the messy, hidden parts, to Jesus. He doesn’t just want a moment at the altar or a Sunday morning; He wants to come into every room of our lives, bringing healing, freedom, and transformation. No matter our past, our sense of unworthiness, or our feelings of not being needed, God calls us to step out of comfort and into the adventure of being used by Him.

We are not saved just to sit, but to serve. Each of us is uniquely crafted by God, a masterpiece with a purpose. The enemy would love to keep us passive, sidelined by shame, comfort, or the illusion that we’re not needed. But the truth is, the body of Christ needs every member—seen and unseen. There is always room for you, not just to receive, but to contribute, to play your part in God’s great story.

If you’ve been sitting too long, or hiding parts of your life from God, today is the day to say, “Come in, Lord.” He is not offended by your mess; He is drawn to it, because He is the answer. Let Him in, and let Him use you for His glory.

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Key Takeaways

1. True Fulfillment Is Found Only in Christ No amount of worldly success, possessions, or status can fill the deep longing in our souls for God. Like Zacchaeus and the woman in the park with the luxury car, we may appear to have it all, but only a relationship with Jesus brings real satisfaction and purpose. Our hearts are made for Him, and nothing else will do. [06:59]
2. Transformation Begins with a Willing “Yes” God is always looking for our response to His invitation. Zacchaeus’ life changed because he seized his moment and said “yes” to Jesus, even when it meant stepping out of his comfort zone and risking ridicule. Our willingness to respond to the Spirit’s prompting opens the door to supernatural change and purpose in our lives. [10:13]
3. Jesus Wants Access to Every Room, Even the Messy Ones Christ doesn’t just want a surface relationship or a Sunday encounter; He desires to enter every part of our lives, including the places we hide in shame or pain. When we allow Him into our “messy rooms”—our addictions, doubts, hurts—He brings healing and transformation, not condemnation. The journey with Jesus is about ongoing openness and surrender. [17:27]
4. You Are Needed and Have a Unique Role in God’s Family The enemy often whispers that we are unworthy or unnecessary, but God’s truth is that every believer is a masterpiece, created for good works. The body of Christ is incomplete without you, whether your role is visible or hidden. Your story, your gifts, and your presence matter deeply to God’s mission and to the church community. [30:51]
5. Don’t Stay Sitting—Step into Your Purpose While there are seasons for rest and healing, we are not meant to remain passive. Just as prolonged physical inactivity leads to decline, spiritual inactivity can rob us of vitality and purpose. There comes a time to rise, to say “yes” again, and to let God use us, no matter our past or present struggles. [35:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - The Search for Fulfillment
[06:59] - Only God Satisfies
[08:27] - Zacchaeus’ Encounter with Jesus
[09:13] - What Happened to Zacchaeus?
[10:13] - Seizing Spiritual Opportunities
[12:34] - Jesus Wants Relationship, Not Just Moments
[15:45] - Transformation by the Holy Spirit
[16:33] - Letting Jesus Into Our Mess
[20:32] - God’s Call to Purpose and Adventure
[22:49] - God’s Assurance: “I’ve Got You”
[24:20] - You Are God’s Masterpiece
[25:40] - Overcoming Unworthiness and Passivity
[30:51] - Every Member Matters
[33:40] - From Rest to Rising
[35:01] - The Danger of Staying Seated
[36:20] - Invitation to Transformation
[38:32] - Responding to God’s Call
[41:28] - Prayer of Surrender and Salvation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 19:1-10 (ESV) — > He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) — > For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Observation Questions

What actions did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus, and how did the crowd respond to him? (Luke 19:3-7)
What was Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus’ effort to see Him? What did Jesus say and do? (Luke 19:5)
After his encounter with Jesus, what specific changes did Zacchaeus make in his life? (Luke 19:8)
According to Ephesians 2:10, what does it say about our identity and purpose as believers?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Zacchaeus was so determined to see Jesus, even though he was disliked by the crowd? What does this say about spiritual hunger? [06:59]
Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ home, not just for a quick chat but for a relationship. What does this tell us about the kind of relationship Jesus wants with us? [12:34]
Zacchaeus’ transformation was immediate and practical—he gave away wealth and made things right. What does this suggest about the evidence of a real encounter with Jesus? [09:13]
The sermon says, “We are not saved just to sit, but to serve.” How does Ephesians 2:10 support this idea? What does it mean to be God’s “workmanship” or “masterpiece”? [24:20]

Application Questions

Zacchaeus didn’t let the crowd or his reputation stop him from seeking Jesus. Is there anything or anyone in your life that makes it hard for you to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly? What would it look like to “climb the tree” in your own situation? [06:59]
Jesus wants access to every room in our lives, even the messy ones. Is there a “room” or area in your life you tend to keep closed off from God? What would it take to let Him in? [16:33]
Zacchaeus responded to Jesus by making things right and blessing others. Is there a practical step you feel prompted to take—like making amends, giving, or serving—that would be a sign of transformation in your life? [09:13]
The sermon talked about the lie that “you’re not needed” in God’s family. Have you ever felt like you don’t have a place or purpose in the church? What gifts or experiences do you have that could be used to bless others? [30:51]
Sometimes we stay “sitting” for too long—spiritually or in serving. Is there an area where you sense God is calling you to get up and step out, even if you don’t feel ready? What’s holding you back? [35:01]
The enemy often uses shame or feelings of unworthiness to keep us passive. How can you remind yourself of your identity as God’s masterpiece this week? Is there a verse or truth you can hold onto? [24:20]
The sermon said, “God is always looking for our ‘yes.’” What is one area where you can say “yes” to God this week, even if it feels uncomfortable or risky? [10:13]

Sermon Clips

The stuff doesn't matter. The stuff will never fulfill. The success in this world is never, ever going to satisfy that hole in all of our lives that says we need God. We're created for relationship with Him. [00:07:15] (17 seconds) #StuffCantFillTheSoul

If you're seeking, you'll only find that ultimate fulfillment not in the things of the world, not in what the world says is achievement or success. As humans born on this planet by God, we...You'll never know that fulfilment. Separated from Him. We need Him. [00:07:35] (21 seconds) #FulfillmentComesFromGod

There are always defining moments in our spiritual journey, in our walk of faith. That God gives us an opportunity and is looking for us to say, Yes, God is always looking for...our yes. He's looking for your yes. He's looking for my yes. And there are opportunities that we've got to learn to seize. [00:10:06] (23 seconds) #SayYesToGodsCall

God wants more than a moment. God wants a journey. God wants a relationship. And I love that Zacchaeus didn't put it off, but just said, yeah, you can come into my home. And he opened up the home. It's a relational thing. It's a progressive thing. [00:14:57] (19 seconds) #GodWantsRelationship

It's Jesus saying, come follow me. Let me come into your home. Let me come into your marriage. Let me come into your workplace. Let me come into your entire being. Come follow me and I will make you. I will transform you. You won't make yourself. I will. [00:15:32] (23 seconds) #FollowJesusForTransformation

The will of God is very simple. He wants you to know Him. Then He wants to bless you. And then He wants to empower you so that you can actually play a part in the greatest cause on the planet, which is to reach others for Christ. [00:20:06] (16 seconds) #KnowBlessEmpowerServe

You are God's masterpiece. You're no accident. You're no victim. You may have been through it. You may have a few scars. You may walk with a bit of a limp. You may think, hey, life's been hard. I've been messed up. I've been hurt. I've been betrayed. I've made some mistakes. You might think all of those things, but I want to tell you this morning, you are God's masterpiece. [00:24:06] (26 seconds) #YouAreGodsMasterpiece

That transforming power of the Holy Spirit, you're in a judgment-free zone. When you walk into a healthy local church, you are in a judgment-free zone. The Bible makes it so clear. If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old things are passed away. Behold, everything is made new. [00:27:04] (21 seconds) #NewCreationNoJudgment

Spiritually, relationally, it's dangerous to sit too long. So, I need to stop. What happened to Zach? Man, he had a Jesus encounter. But it didn't end at the tree. It didn't stop with a prayer at the altar. He said, Jesus, if you want to, if you're up for it, you want to come? to my place? Come on in. Come on in. And because he said, come on in, there was a shift that happened. [00:35:56] (42 seconds) #JesusEncounterChangesEverything

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