Locations & Times

What if the only way to heal what's broken is to risk everything? Zacchaeus was a powerful man—rich, feared, and completely alone. In this raw and convicting message, we follow his unexpected encounter with Jesus that pushed him out of hiding and up a tree. It’s not just a story about a short man climbing a sycamore—it’s about every one of us stuck in shame, regret, or a pattern we don’t know how to break. This week, the challenge gets real: what sacrifice are YOU avoiding that could actually bring your relationships back to life? From stuck to surrendered. Zacchaeus didn’t need more money, status, or followers—he needed restoration. And it came not just from Jesus showing up, but from Zacchaeus risking public humiliation, confessing his sin, and committing to radical sacrifice. In a culture obsessed with self-preservation, this story dares us to ask: am I willing to go out on a limb to make things right? We don’t earn grace—but restoration? That’ll cost something. And Jesus says it’s worth it.

Set List

Message Discussion Questions

Go Out on a Limb

Ben Foote
Sep 14th, 2025

// Bible References: Luke 19:1-6,8-10; Rom 12:1

// Community Question: What’s the riskiest thing you’ve ever done that turned out better than expected?

// Discussion Questions

1. In the sermon, Zacchaeus makes a bold promise to give away half his possessions and pay back four times what he had cheated from others. What makes this such a significant and risky sacrifice? What is something in your life you've been hesitant to sacrifice because it feels too risky?
2. Jesus declared salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house, showing salvation comes from His choice, not Zacchaeus’ sacrifice. How do you balance knowing salvation is God’s gift while also recognizing that following Him requires real sacrifice?
3. Ben explains that conviction says, 'You have a long way to go, but we'll go together,' while shame says, 'You're too far gone.' How can we learn to distinguish between these two in our own spiritual journey? When you feel guilty about something in your life, how can you determine if you're experiencing healthy conviction or unhealthy shame?
4. Going Deeper: Read Romans 12. Paul describes being a living sacrifice through blessing others, showing hospitality, and living at peace. How does this connect to restoring relationships, and what relationship in your life might need restoration that requires sacrifice to begin healing?

// Challenge: What risky life sacrifice is God asking you to “go out on a limb” and make this week, and how can this group support you?