The Kingdom of Jesus is not built on the self-righteous—it is built on the redeemed.

In My Disciples Were Once the Outcast, we walk through Luke 19:1–10 and the powerful encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus. A man rejected by culture, despised by his community, and defined by his sin becomes a living picture of what the Kingdom of God is all about.

In today’s message, Pastor Ryan Rice, Sr. reminds us that Jesus does not avoid the outcast—He seeks them. The Savior who healed the blind and welcomed sinners continues to pursue the lost and transform them by His grace.

This week’s message highlights four powerful truths:

1️⃣ Outcasts Need to See Jesus

Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Christ. Curiosity led him to the place where grace would meet him.

2️⃣ Jesus Seeks the Outcast

Before Zacchaeus could fully understand what was happening, Jesus called him by name. The Savior intentionally pursues those the world rejects.

3️⃣ Outcasts Are Found and Transformed in Christ

Salvation produces visible change. A heart transformed by grace responds with repentance, generosity, and restoration.

4️⃣ Jesus Secures Former Outcasts in His Kingdom

“Today salvation has come to this house.” The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost—and to make them sons and daughters of the Kingdom.

The message of the Gospel is not that the healthy are welcomed—but that the sick are healed. Not that the righteous are invited—but that sinners are redeemed.

💬 Reflect & Respond:

Do you see yourself in Zacchaeus? Have you encountered the Savior who knows your name and calls you down from the tree? And who around you might Jesus be calling you to pursue with compassion?