Group Discussion Guide
Series: OneLife
Title: Share Life
Summary:
This week’s message explores Jesus’ transforming encounter with Zacchaeus in
Luke 19. We are invited to follow Jesus’ model: leave our comfortable circles to pursue the “one” who is far from God, lead with love before truth, and stay at the table long enough to truly listen. Real change comes through the Holy Spirit as we faithfully pray, sow, and share our lives with others. The challenge: pray for one person by name and intentionally build a friendship where Jesus’ love can be experienced.
Icebreaker Question
If you could share a meal with anyone (living or historical), who would it be and why? What would you hope to learn from them?
Last Week's Commitment
Before beginning this week’s discussion, invite the group to reflect on last week’s “I Will” statement from the "Confused: Sports Betting" message: "I will choose to honor God by choosing what is beneficial."
- How did you seek to honor God in your choices this past week?
- Was there a specific moment when you chose what was beneficial over what was merely permissible? Share your experience and what you learned.
Discussion Questions
Pastor Carter began by retelling the story of Zacchaeus, the despised chief tax collector, and reminded us that Jesus left the crowd—his comfort zone—to pursue someone everyone else avoided. Todd shared how every community, workplace, and family has a “Zacchaeus”—someone overlooked or on the fringes. He challenged us to notice those people and to be willing to “leave the crowd” and pursue the one, just as Jesus did.
- Who is someone in your life who might be overlooked or avoided by others? What holds you back from reaching out to them? In what ways could following Jesus’ example change your relationship with that person?
- (Share honestly about names and feelings—fear, awkwardness, busyness—and reflect on God’s heart for the “one.”)
2. Leading with Love, Not Condemnation (John 3:16-17)
In his message, Todd emphasized that when Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, He didn’t start by pointing out sin or offering correction. Instead, Jesus led with love—He called Zacchaeus by name and publicly accepted him by sharing a meal. Todd reminded us that Jesus’ mission was not to condemn but to save (
John 3:16-17), and that people need to experience Jesus’ love through us before they’re ready to hear truth. He shared personal stories of friends who were far from God and how leading with love opened doors.
- Describe a time when someone led with love toward you (rather than judgment). How did that affect you? How can we practically “lead with love” in our current relationships, especially with those far from faith?
- (Prompt honest stories—times people felt accepted or rejected—and brainstorm tangible steps for loving first.)
3. Staying at the Table (James 1:19)
Pastor Carter highlighted that Zacchaeus’ transformation happened around the table—not through a quick conversation, but through time spent together. He stressed the importance of “staying at the table,” truly listening, and building trust. Citing
James 1:19, he explained that people who feel heard are more open to listening to us in return. Todd gave examples, like a small group leader who invested years in listening to middle school boys, seeing lives change as a result.
- Think of a relationship that changed you because someone really listened to you. What makes it hard to “stay at the table” with people who are different from us? How can you grow in listening well this week?
- (Invite vulnerability about impatience, discomfort, or past hurts, and call the group to practice deeper listening.)
The message made clear that while we can pray, sow, and share our lives, only God makes things grow. Todd shared that sometimes we pour into people, pray faithfully, but may not see immediate results. He encouraged us not to get discouraged, but to trust the Holy Spirit to work in God’s timing.
- Share about a person you’ve prayed for, but haven’t seen change yet. How do you keep trusting God with them? What helps you persevere in praying or reaching out, even when you see little progress?
- (Encourage naming doubts and frustrations, but also hope and perseverance.)
5. Personal Application & Next Steps
Todd’s practical challenge was for each of us to pray for “our one” and intentionally share our lives with them. He encouraged everyone to move from intention to action, whether that’s walking across the room, reaching out to a neighbor, or befriending someone at work or school.
- Who is your “one”—the person God is placing on your heart this week? What is one step you can take to move closer to that person—practically or prayerfully? How can this group support you in that commitment?
- (Emphasize accountability and encouragement as people name their next steps.)
This Week’s "I Will" Statement
I will pray and share my life with my one.
Join the 6:00 AM Prayer Call
Every weekday morning, Monday through Friday at 6:00 AM, our Pathway Family is gathering on a video call, wherever we are, to pray for our "Ones" together. You don't have to be a morning person or a prayer expert. Just show up.
Text PRAYER to 316-444-4180 to get connected. You'll get a reminder each morning with the link to join.
Prayer Requests
- Take time for everyone to share personal prayer requests.
- Pray that God would give each person courage to leave their comfort zone and pursue “the one” in their life.
- Ask God to fill your group with genuine love, patience, and perseverance—to listen well, lead with love, and trust Him for growth.
- Pray by name for each person’s “one,” asking for open doors and transformed hearts.