Think back to your first day of lunch in middle school. Most middle schoolers realize that lunch will make or break your social world. It’s all in where you sit. You can eat with the popular people, the athlete’s, the smart kids, the people-who-change-seats-every-day-because-they-fit-in-with-everyone, the choir and band kids, the preppy or the emo crowd. Then, of course, there’s THOSE kids. You know. The leftover kids no one really likes. No one wants to get stuck sitting near them – it’s social suicide.
What was the scariest part about your first cafeteria experience?
Jesus had a different idea of fitting in.
Read Luke 19: 1-2
If Zacchaeus had a Myspace profile, it would probably look like this:
Name: Zacheus
Profession: Tax collector
Interests: Stealing money from people to make myself richer
Heroes: The White Witch, Dr. Evil, Darth Vader, Voldemort, and Lord Sauron
Friends: 0
Interesting features: I’m really short
Website: www.ilovecheating.com
Everyone hated Zacchaeus. No one wanted to be his friend because of his dishonest job. He was definitely one of THOSE kids.
Read Luke 19:3-6
Why did Zach need to climb a tree to see Jesus? (vs. 3)
What did Jesus say to Zach?
In front of the whole crowd, Jesus stopped to talk to the most unpopular man in town. He didn’t just say hi, he offered to hang out with Zacchaeus at his house!
Read vs. 7
How did the crowd react?
How would your friends react if you decided to be friends with the most unpopular person at your school?
Did Jesus pay any attention to the crowd?
Read vs. 8-9
How was Zacchaeus a different person because he met Jesus?
He became a completely different person. Jesus cares about the hurting, the lonely, and the outcasts. In fact, he intentionally seeks them out. Before you knew Christ, you were an outcast to God because of your sin. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, God accepts you into his family.
Who in your life needs a friend?
How will you show acceptance to others right now and when you go back to school, especially your cafeteria?
How will you stand up to others who don’t understand?
Ask God to let you see others like He sees them. Ask for courage to love the unlovable.
Thank God for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that saved you from being an outcast.