On the Flip SideSample

It's hard when you feel you're on the outside or don't fit in, isn't it? This isn't a new problem — people have struggled with those "in the circle," making the "outsiders" feel like they were less than forever. But no matter who you are, Jesus places the highest value on you.

Zacchaeus was one of those "outsiders" who people around him overlooked. And it didn't help that he was so short that when Jesus came to town, he couldn't see past the crowds! But he was so interested in what Jesus had to say that he called out to him. The crowds didn't like this at all because Zacchaeus was known for being a "notorious sinner." But Jesus noticed him — he wanted to spend time with this "notorious sinner." Why? Because who the crowds thought was most valuable didn't align with the value Jesus placed on people.

Is there someone at your school or church that others treat with little value? How can you include them this week?