There are seven types of story that come up again and again across every time and culture. This term we’ll explore those stories, consider what they tell us about our humanity, and how they help us understand the true story of Jesus.
Today, we’re thinking about Rebirth stories.
Ask for a volunteer to pray a short prayer that however much they’ve come to know Jesus, they’d know him better as a result of your time together.
Ready for Impact (10 minutes)
Ask group members:
- What’s the most surprising change you’ve ever witnessed in a friend or family member?
Impacted by the Word – Part One (10 minutes)
This video tells the true story of Henry, a student whose life was transformed by Jesus.
Download this video to watch offline or read the transcript here.
Rebirth stories speak to our fear of being uncovered and seen for who we are, whilst also speaking to our hopes that we might somehow be made new.
- What strikes you about Henry’s story?
- How would you feel if your weaknesses were exposed?
Impacted by the Word – Part Two (10 minutes)
Ask for a volunteer to read Luke 19:1-10 to the group.
This video will help your group see how Zacchaeus was transformed by meeting Jesus.
Download this video to watch offline or read the transcript here.
- What do you think life was like for Zacchaeus amongst the citizens of Jericho? (verses 2-3)
- In our society, can you think of any modern-day equivalents to Zacchaeus?
- Why do you think Zacchaeus was so keen to see Jesus?
- Read verses 5-6. What about his encounter with Jesus would have surprised Zacchaeus?
By meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus encounters divine love and is transformed. Jesus goes so far as to say his presence saves Zacchaeus.
- How does verse 10 help us to understand who ‘salvation’ is for?
- Do you view yourself as someone who is lost and needs saving? Why or why not?
‘Salvation’ refers to when a person has been saved from peril. Another word we could use is ‘rescue.’ So, in verse 9, Jesus is saying that Zacchaeus has been rescued. Verse 10 adds that, to this point, Zacchaeus has been lost. Now he is found.
The ideas of salvation and rescue are important in the Bible. Christians are rescued by Jesus from the penalty, power and presence of sin. As Jesus sees the overflow of new life with him in Zacchaeus’ new-found generous spirit, he sees the fruit of one who has been rescued and brought to new life.
Abraham was the genetic ancestor of the Jewish nation. He had been a worshipper of idols until he met with the LORD God. Having changed Abraham’s life, God made his family central to his plans for blessing the world. Circumcision was given to Abraham’s family as physical sign of the reality of these promises. In one sense, then, ‘son of Abraham’ meant to be a physical descendant of Abraham who had willingly adopted a part in God’s big story i.e. to be a Jew who had been circumcised.
By Jesus’ day, the idea emerged that a person’s standing with God was based upon their genetics and obedience to God’s law, especially their willingness to be circumcised. Jewish law-keepers therefore thought of themselves as ‘sons of Abraham.’ Those who weren’t Jewish or who blatantly broke God’s law were not given this title.
Now Jesus calls Zacchaeus ‘a true son of Abraham.’ Jesus is emphasising that national identity and obedience to the law cannot make anyone right with God. True ‘sons of Abraham’ (like Zacchaeus) share Abraham’s faith: this commitment to God starts inwardly but inevitably spills out in love for God and others.
Impacting Our Hearts (10 minutes)
Encountering Jesus transforms Zacchaeus.
- Have you ever met someone and wanted to become more like them? What was it you saw in them?
- To what extent has meeting Jesus this term caused a similar desire in you?
Encourage your group to reflect individually bringing before God areas of their life where they would like to see change.
Pray that as your Impact group encounters Jesus in his word that his love would be transforming you increasingly to be like Him.
NB. This may be a good week to try and meet up with any seekers in your group and ask them where they are on their faith journey.
If you’re able to sing in your group time, why not consider some of the following songs: Who the Son Sets Free, Rescuer (Good News), Jesus Paid it All.
Impacting the University (15 minutes)
Zacchaeus' encounter gives us hope that when people meet Jesus personally their life can change. This transformation is what we all ultimately ache for as we tell stories of rebirth.
Watch this video:
- On a scale of 1- 10 (10 being high), how confident do you feel about inviting a friend to read the Bible? Reading the Bible with a friend who isn’t a Christian?
- How does Zacchaeus’ story speak to any fears you may have?
One way we can express our unity in sharing Jesus is by committing to pray for one another’s friends.
- Share the name of a friend you’d like to invite to read Uncover with.
- Share ideas of how you might ask them.
- Pray for them.
Commit to praying regularly by name for those you long to share Jesus with.
Wrap-up – TACOS 🌮
Thank You – Thank everyone for coming, and ask someone to thank God for your time together in prayer.
Ask – Ask those who are new to reading the Bible if they’d like to explore Uncover, a set of sessions in Mark’s Gospel, allowing them to investigate one of the earliest accounts of Jesus’ life alongside one of you.
Church and CU – What does the CU have planned ahead? And what help would group members value in finding a local church?
Others – Who else could you invite to join your CU Impact Group next week? These friends don’t need to be followers of Jesus and may really appreciate being invited.
See You Soon – Tell the group where and when you’ll meet next week, and arrange who will bring snacks. (You might like to alternate healthy and less healthy weeks!). See if anyone would be up for sharing a meal or just hanging out in the meantime!