Desired Takeaway
Participants will recognize that Jesus actively seeks out those far from Him and invites transformation through relationship—and that following Jesus means joining Him in making the first move toward others with grace, curiosity, and love.

Icebreaker
Have you ever met someone who felt like your total opposite? What made that relationship challenging—or surprisingly meaningful?

1. Lean In (Engagement)

• Can you remember a time when someone noticed you or reached out to you unexpectedly? What did that feel like?

2. Look Down (Scripture Observation)
Read Luke 19:1–10 together.

• What stands out to you about:
  • Zacchaeus’ actions before meeting Jesus?
  • Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus?
  • The crowd’s reaction?
• What do these details reveal about each group (Zacchaeus, Jesus, the crowd)?

3. Look Out (Real-World Connection)

• What are some ways people today quietly seek meaning, hope, or truth—even if they wouldn’t say it out loud?
• Where have you seen someone’s life genuinely change for the better? What seemed to spark that change?

4. Look In (Personal Reflection)

• Which character do you most relate to right now:
  • Zacchaeus (curious, searching, maybe overlooked or stuck)?
  • The crowd (critical, skeptical, or resistant)?
  • Someone walking with Jesus but unsure about His ways?
  • Jesus (seeking out people for the kingdom)?
• Is there someone in your life you’ve been avoiding or silently “canceling”?
• What might it look like for you to see them the way Jesus does?

5. Live It Out (Kingdom Imagination)

• What would your relationships, neighborhood, or workplace look like if people consistently made the first move with love like Jesus did?
• How might things change if curiosity replaced judgment?

Optional Exercises for the Week

• The First Move Challenge
 - Identify one person you’ve been avoiding, overlooking, or unsure about. Take one intentional step toward them this week:
  • Learn their name
  • Start a conversation
  • Offer a simple act of kindness
• Practice Seeing People Differently
 - Each day, pause and ask: “What might Jesus see in this person that I’m missing?”
Write down any shifts in your perspective.
• Generosity Check-In
 - Reflect on Zacchaeus’ response. Ask:
  • What does my generosity reveal about my heart?
  • Is there a step I can take this week toward greater generosity (time, attention, or resources)?

Prayer Prompt
Invite God to reshape how you see people.
“Jesus, thank You for seeing us when others don’t. Help us to see people the way You do. Give us courage to make the first move, humility to love without judgment, and hearts that reflect Your mission to seek and save. Show us who You’re inviting us to reach this week—and go with us as we step toward them. Amen.”