INTRODUCTION

Jesus Teaches That We Are to Be Salt and Light

Bible Point:

Jesus accepts everyone.

Key Verse:

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Big Picture:

Explore how Jesus’ unconditional acceptance impacts your life.

Zacchaeus Climbs a Tree to See Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

It’s common for high school students to see or even experience discrimination in everyday life. It can happen because of race, gender, intelligence, where someone lives, how they dress, or who their friends are. These experiences can hurt and make people feel unseen or unwelcome.

This week, you will learn about how Jesus treated Zacchaeus, someone who was rejected by most people. Instead of avoiding him, Jesus accepted and cared for him. That same love and acceptance are offered to you. Jesus sees your worth and welcomes you completely. As you understand this truth, you are also invited to follow His example by accepting and showing kindness to those around you, especially those who often feel left out.

GROWING IN TRUTH

DAILY CHALLENGE

Choose one or more of these Daily Challenges to do this week.

• Invest some time each day in praying about the things you wrote on your Tree of Acceptance.

• Go to someone who is often rejected by others in your school or neighborhood and open the door to talking with that person.

• Think of the ways that Jesus has been trying to show you that he accepts you. Ask God to help you be open to Jesus knocking at the door of your life.

FAITH JOURNAL

What are some things that make you feel unworthy of Jesus’ love and acceptance?

TALK WITH YOUR FAMILY

Read John 3:16 with your family, and discuss the following questions:

• What does this verse tell you about Jesus’ acceptance of everyone?

• Think about the outcasts in your school or workplace. How can you treat them the way Jesus treated Zacchaeus?

• How has accepting others helped them see Jesus in you?

Have each person carry around a piece of a tree this week—a stick or a leaf. Or have everyone draw leaves or sticks and attach the drawings to a phone or other item they always have with them. Let the tree pieces be a reminder to look for the people in the trees—people who are left out and want to find acceptance. Then show those people Jesus’ acceptance.