Sermon | July 26th, 2026 | Rev. Rachel Williams | Love Shows Up & Transforms Lives

Who does God's grace reach? The story of Zacchaeus challenges everything we think we know about who deserves an invitation to encounter Christ. This week we explored how a despised tax collector climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus—and how Jesus stopped, looked up, and invited himself to dinner. The crowd was scandalized. But Zacchaeus? He was transformed. He gave half his possessions to the poor and made amends fourfold for his wrongs. Here's the truth that shakes us: Christ's invitation extends beyond our imagination of who's "worthy." No past is too shameful. No case is too hopeless. And sometimes we need our own vision transformed to see that God's grace is far more expansive than we ever dared believe. Love shows up—and it changes everything. Questions for Reflection: 1. The crowd grumbled that Jesus was going to be the guest of a sinner. Have you ever found yourself making similar judgments about who does and does not deserve God's grace? 2. Zacchaeus had to climb a tree and risk humiliation to see Jesus. What obstacles or risks might we need to overcome in our own lives to truly encounter Christ? 3. How does the message that Christ's invitation extends beyond our imagination challenge your current understanding of who belongs in the Kingdom of God? How could this reshape the way you pray for and interact with people you strongly disagree with? 4. What is the difference between calling out harmful behavior and gatekeeping who receives God's grace, and how do we navigate that tension faithfully?