C.A C Sunday School Lesson For August 31, 2025 Lesson 32: Title - ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS INFLUENCE NICODEMUS AND ZACCHAEUS

C.A C Sunday School Lesson For August 31, 2025 Lesson 32: Title - ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS INFLUENCE NICODEMUS AND ZACCHAEUS

Memory Scripture

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown ar arid trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5:13).  

Encounters with Jesus profoundly changed Nicodemus and Zacchaeus, demonstrating the power of divine influence in personal transformation.

BRIEF COMMENT

In the Sunday school topic, *"ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS INFLUENCE NICODEMUS AND ZACCHAEUS,"* we explore how encounters with Jesus transformed the lives of individuals, like Nicodemus and Zacchaeus. Just as Jesus had a profound impact on their lives, He also calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13). The metaphor of salt signifies our role as preservers and sweeteners in the society. We are called to prevent moral decay and add goodness to the world around us. Similarly, the metaphor of light highlights our responsibility to shine brightly in the darkness of the world, illuminating the way to Christ. 

As Christians, we face challenges in navigating the complexities of the world while staying true to our faith. However, by embodying the qualities of salt and light, we can effectively influence our environment for Jesus. Just as encounters with Jesus transformed Nicodemus and Zacchaeus, our encounters with Him empower us to be transformative agents in the world, positively impacting those around us and reflecting the light of Christ in all that we do. 

 *DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS* 

 *Mon. 25:* Jesus Influences The Samaritan Woman (Jn. 4:40-42) 

 *Tue. 26:* Joseph's Influence Beyond The Wall (Gen. 49:22) 

 *Wed. 27:* Preservation In A Perverse World (Phil. 2:15) 

 *Thur. 28:* Preserved To Live (Gen. 50:20) 

 *Fri. 29:* Preserving Your Posterity (Gen. 45:7) 

 *Sat. 30:* Preserving The Spies (Jos. 2:4)  

 *DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS* 

i. Christianity is learnt inside the Church but practised outside the Church. 

ii. Church leadership should not only build men for the pulpits but also build professionals that will affect our societies for Christ.  

 *BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 60:1-3* 

 *AIM AND OBJECTIVES* 

 *AIM:* To underscore how Jesus influenced publicans and political leaders in His time. 

 *OBJECTIVES:* By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

i. draw lessons from Jesus' conversations with Nicodemus and Zacchaeus; and

ii. explain Jesus' methods of influencing the two. 

 *INTRODUCTION* 

 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: Luke 19:1-10; John 3:1-21; 19:39* 

Last week, we saw that Jesus was not gender-biased in His leadership approach. He did not only prepare men, but also women (cf. Matt. 19:4). 

This week, our focus is to see how He influenced the publicans, Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisee, and Zacchaeus, the Tax collector. We seldom consider reaching out to such people in our evangelism efforts, or spare time. However, Jesus demonstrated that He came for everyone, regardless of their background. We'll explore how He influenced these two men, showing us the importance of reaching out to all people with the message of Christ's love and redemption. 

 *LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. NICODEMUS CONVERSES WITH JESUS* 

 *II. ZACCHAEUS ENCOUNTERS THE SAVIOUR* 

 *LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. NICODEMUS CONVERSES WITH JESUS (Jn. 3:1-21)* Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (3:3). 

a) v. 1: Nicodemus was a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews; a member of the great Sanhedrim, a scholar, a privy-counsellor, and a man of authority in Jerusalem. 

b) v. 2: Being a Pharisee, He came by night and acknowledged the certainty of Jesus' teaching ministry; we know that you are a teacher from God (cf. 1:6ff). 

c) v. 3: The response of Jesus is a total diversion from Nicodemus' appraisal of Him. What is your subject matter when you have the opportunity to meet the social rulers ('city movers') or when they worship in your local assembly (v. 7)? 

d) vv. 3-5: Nicodemus, despite being a religious scholar (vv. 9-10), was taught the basic rudiments of the Kingdom life: being born again (v. 3); water baptism; and Holy Spirit's baptism (v. 5, 8). No one is too big to start from foundational class (cf. 1 Pet. 2:2ff). 

e) vv. 11ff: Jesus went further on the conditions of salvation (vv. 14-18) and the consequences of not believing in Him (vv. 18-21). The way He talked to Nicodemus showed that He was neither intimidated by Nicodemus' status nor flattered by his praise-singing. How about you? 

f) 19:39: Though Nicodemus' encounter was in the night, he eventually became a faithful, loyal and committed disciple of Christ even in the public (cf. 7:50). What a great impact! 

g) Are we really learning from Jesus' attitude to public and influential figures? Jesus confronted them with the truth, challenging them towards living for God. Does this mean anything to us today? May His model not stand to condemn us on the last Day. Amen. 

 *II. ZACCHAEUS ENCOUNTERS THE SAVIOUR (LUKE 19:1-10)* 

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham" (19:9). 

a) v. 2: 'Zacchaeus' means "righteous one", but he wasn't living up to his name-good name, but a bad reputation. As a tax collector, he became rich by collecting more than what was due (cf. Lk. 3:13). 

b) v. 3: And he sought to see who Jesus was... It is possible that his desire to meet Jesus personally began when Matthew, a fellow tax collector, hosted Jesus in his house (cf. Lk. 5:29; 18:13). 

c) v. 4: Yet, he couldn't see jesus because of the crowd and his short stature (cf. Rom. 3:23). So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree, showing his zeal and determination to see Jesus at all cost. 

d) v. 5: And when Jesus came to the place... Zacchaeus thought he was seeking Jesus (v. 3), but Jesus was the one seeking him (vv. 1,10)! 

e) v. 8: Genuine repentance and restitution are not far from whosoever has an encounter with Christ. These would obviously have tremendous impact on his leadership relationship with people as a transformed leader; no longer cheating them at any given instance. 

f) v. 9: because he also is a son of Abraham... There are several sons of Abraham like the prodigal son (Lk. 15:21) and the rich man (Lk. 16:25) out there. This challenges us to reach out to this category of people in the society with the Light of Christ. Neglecting them isn't good for anyone. 

g) Jesus' passionate encounter with Zacchaeus is enough to jolt us out of our comfort zones to reach out to such people in our society. Don't let them perish; play your part! 

 *LESSONS DERIVED*

1 The encounters Nicodemus and Zacchaeus had with Jesus evidently had a profound impact on their lives and leadership perspectives.

 2. How well are you allowing your encounters with Jesus to transform you all-round? 

 *QUESTIONS* 

 1. Nicodemus, despite being a religious scholar was taught the basic rudiments of the Kingdom life. Any lesson?

 2. Discuss the impact of Jesus' encounter on the life of Zacchaeus and his leadership in later years. 

 *SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS* 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 1* 

* The opportunity Jesus had with him was not spent on frivolities and trivialities. 

* Unlike several religious leaders who twist the Word of God when some political, or social leaders come to Church to worship, Jesus did not hide the Truth from him because of his status, influence and affluence (Jn. 14:6). 

* He emphatically told him the basic requirements without which no one can see nor enter the Kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3-5). 

* The statement, you must be born again (Jn. 3:3) is essential and non- negotiable. Christ will never lower the standard. 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 2* 

* Refer to Part II 

* The encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus can be summarised in three folds; Jesus saw him, Jesus welcomed him and Jesus changed him (Lk. 19:5-6). 

* The effect of the changes was instant; he was willing to share his goods with the poor, and do restitution in fourfold (v. 8). Upon this, Jesus affirmed, the arrival of salvation in his house. 

* Jesus met Zacchaeus as a tax collector and there was no record that he changed the job after the encounter. 

* His job remained the same but using the same job as a platform to reach out to fellow tax collectors and other businessmen and women is a major tool in God's hand. 

* He most likely, would have become a leader, influencing others for Christ! 

 *LIFE APPLICATION* 

John Calvin wrote, "Curiosity and simplicity are a sort of preparation for faith." This is often the case, and it was certainly true of Nicodemus and Zacchaeus. While the former went by the night to see Jesus, the later sought to see him by running and climbing the tree. Jesus fulfilled His words in the lives of these publicans; "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (Jn. 6:37). Let your encounter with Jesus impact your influence on others-leadership. 

 *CONCLUSION* 

There are still many "Nicodemuses" out there who won't come during the day, and many "Zacchaeuses" waiting on the street and on the tree looking for Jesus. Give them audience when they come in the odd times, and keep looking for them. This is the pathway to influence them for Jesus. Here we draw the curtains on lesson 32. Glory be to God. Hallelujah! 

 *NOTE**CHRIST APOSTOLIC CHURCH Nigeria And Overseas* 

 *SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON* 

Theme *PREPARING GOD'S PEOPLE for LEADERSHIP* 

 *JANUARY TO DECEMBER, 2025*

 *AUG. 31, 2025.* 

 

 *LESSON 32*

 *Unit 4: Leadership Preparation In The New Testament (I)* 

 *_topic:_* 

 *ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS INFLUENCE NICODEMUS AND ZACCHAEUS* 

 *_Memory Scripture_* 

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown ar arid trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5:13).  

Encounters with Jesus profoundly changed Nicodemus and Zacchaeus, demonstrating the power of divine influence in personal transformation.

 *BRIEF COMMENT* 

In the Sunday school topic, *"ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS INFLUENCE NICODEMUS AND ZACCHAEUS,"* we explore how encounters with Jesus transformed the lives of individuals, like Nicodemus and Zacchaeus. Just as Jesus had a profound impact on their lives, He also calls us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13). The metaphor of salt signifies our role as preservers and sweeteners in the society. We are called to prevent moral decay and add goodness to the world around us. Similarly, the metaphor of light highlights our responsibility to shine brightly in the darkness of the world, illuminating the way to Christ. 

As Christians, we face challenges in navigating the complexities of the world while staying true to our faith. However, by embodying the qualities of salt and light, we can effectively influence our environment for Jesus. Just as encounters with Jesus transformed Nicodemus and Zacchaeus, our encounters with Him empower us to be transformative agents in the world, positively impacting those around us and reflecting the light of Christ in all that we do. 

 *DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS* 

 *Mon. 25:* Jesus Influences The Samaritan Woman (Jn. 4:40-42) 

 *Tue. 26:* Joseph's Influence Beyond The Wall (Gen. 49:22) 

 *Wed. 27:* Preservation In A Perverse World (Phil. 2:15) 

 *Thur. 28:* Preserved To Live (Gen. 50:20) 

 *Fri. 29:* Preserving Your Posterity (Gen. 45:7) 

 *Sat. 30:* Preserving The Spies (Jos. 2:4)  

 *DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS* 

i. Christianity is learnt inside the Church but practised outside the Church. 

ii. Church leadership should not only build men for the pulpits but also build professionals that will affect our societies for Christ.  

 *BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 60:1-3* 

 *AIM AND OBJECTIVES* 

 *AIM:* To underscore how Jesus influenced publicans and political leaders in His time. 

 *OBJECTIVES:* By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to: 

i. draw lessons from Jesus' conversations with Nicodemus and Zacchaeus; and

ii. explain Jesus' methods of influencing the two. 

 *INTRODUCTION* 

 *TEXTUAL SOURCE: Luke 19:1-10; John 3:1-21; 19:39* 

Last week, we saw that Jesus was not gender-biased in His leadership approach. He did not only prepare men, but also women (cf. Matt. 19:4). 

This week, our focus is to see how He influenced the publicans, Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisee, and Zacchaeus, the Tax collector. We seldom consider reaching out to such people in our evangelism efforts, or spare time. However, Jesus demonstrated that He came for everyone, regardless of their background. We'll explore how He influenced these two men, showing us the importance of reaching out to all people with the message of Christ's love and redemption. 

 *LESSON OUTLINE* 

 *I. NICODEMUS CONVERSES WITH JESUS* 

 *II. ZACCHAEUS ENCOUNTERS THE SAVIOUR* 

 *LESSON EXPOSITION* 

 *I. NICODEMUS CONVERSES WITH JESUS (Jn. 3:1-21)* Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (3:3). 

a) v. 1: Nicodemus was a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews; a member of the great Sanhedrim, a scholar, a privy-counsellor, and a man of authority in Jerusalem. 

b) v. 2: Being a Pharisee, He came by night and acknowledged the certainty of Jesus' teaching ministry; we know that you are a teacher from God (cf. 1:6ff). 

c) v. 3: The response of Jesus is a total diversion from Nicodemus' appraisal of Him. What is your subject matter when you have the opportunity to meet the social rulers ('city movers') or when they worship in your local assembly (v. 7)? 

d) vv. 3-5: Nicodemus, despite being a religious scholar (vv. 9-10), was taught the basic rudiments of the Kingdom life: being born again (v. 3); water baptism; and Holy Spirit's baptism (v. 5, 8). No one is too big to start from foundational class (cf. 1 Pet. 2:2ff). 

e) vv. 11ff: Jesus went further on the conditions of salvation (vv. 14-18) and the consequences of not believing in Him (vv. 18-21). The way He talked to Nicodemus showed that He was neither intimidated by Nicodemus' status nor flattered by his praise-singing. How about you? 

f) 19:39: Though Nicodemus' encounter was in the night, he eventually became a faithful, loyal and committed disciple of Christ even in the public (cf. 7:50). What a great impact! 

g) Are we really learning from Jesus' attitude to public and influential figures? Jesus confronted them with the truth, challenging them towards living for God. Does this mean anything to us today? May His model not stand to condemn us on the last Day. Amen. 

 *II. ZACCHAEUS ENCOUNTERS THE SAVIOUR (LUKE 19:1-10)* 

And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham" (19:9). 

a) v. 2: 'Zacchaeus' means "righteous one", but he wasn't living up to his name-good name, but a bad reputation. As a tax collector, he became rich by collecting more than what was due (cf. Lk. 3:13). 

b) v. 3: And he sought to see who Jesus was... It is possible that his desire to meet Jesus personally began when Matthew, a fellow tax collector, hosted Jesus in his house (cf. Lk. 5:29; 18:13). 

c) v. 4: Yet, he couldn't see jesus because of the crowd and his short stature (cf. Rom. 3:23). So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree, showing his zeal and determination to see Jesus at all cost. 

d) v. 5: And when Jesus came to the place... Zacchaeus thought he was seeking Jesus (v. 3), but Jesus was the one seeking him (vv. 1,10)! 

e) v. 8: Genuine repentance and restitution are not far from whosoever has an encounter with Christ. These would obviously have tremendous impact on his leadership relationship with people as a transformed leader; no longer cheating them at any given instance. 

f) v. 9: because he also is a son of Abraham... There are several sons of Abraham like the prodigal son (Lk. 15:21) and the rich man (Lk. 16:25) out there. This challenges us to reach out to this category of people in the society with the Light of Christ. Neglecting them isn't good for anyone. 

g) Jesus' passionate encounter with Zacchaeus is enough to jolt us out of our comfort zones to reach out to such people in our society. Don't let them perish; play your part! 

 *LESSONS DERIVED*

1 The encounters Nicodemus and Zacchaeus had with Jesus evidently had a profound impact on their lives and leadership perspectives.

 2. How well are you allowing your encounters with Jesus to transform you all-round? 

 *QUESTIONS* 

 1. Nicodemus, despite being a religious scholar was taught the basic rudiments of the Kingdom life. Any lesson?

 2. Discuss the impact of Jesus' encounter on the life of Zacchaeus and his leadership in later years. 

 *SUGGESTED ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS* 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 1* 

* The opportunity Jesus had with him was not spent on frivolities and trivialities. 

* Unlike several religious leaders who twist the Word of God when some political, or social leaders come to Church to worship, Jesus did not hide the Truth from him because of his status, influence and affluence (Jn. 14:6). 

* He emphatically told him the basic requirements without which no one can see nor enter the Kingdom of God (Jn. 3:3-5). 

* The statement, you must be born again (Jn. 3:3) is essential and non- negotiable. Christ will never lower the standard. 

 *ANSWER TO QUESTION 2* 

* Refer to Part II 

* The encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus can be summarised in three folds; Jesus saw him, Jesus welcomed him and Jesus changed him (Lk. 19:5-6). 

* The effect of the changes was instant; he was willing to share his goods with the poor, and do restitution in fourfold (v. 8). Upon this, Jesus affirmed, the arrival of salvation in his house. 

* Jesus met Zacchaeus as a tax collector and there was no record that he changed the job after the encounter. 

* His job remained the same but using the same job as a platform to reach out to fellow tax collectors and other businessmen and women is a major tool in God's hand. 

* He most likely, would have become a leader, influencing others for Christ! 

 LIFE APPLICATION* 

John Calvin wrote, "Curiosity and simplicity are a sort of preparation for faith." This is often the case, and it was certainly true of Nicodemus and Zacchaeus. While the former went by the night to see Jesus, the later sought to see him by running and climbing the tree. Jesus fulfilled His words in the lives of these publicans; "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (Jn. 6:37). Let your encounter with Jesus impact your influence on others-leadership. 

 *CONCLUSION* 

There are still many "Nicodemuses" out there who won't come during the day, and many "Zacchaeuses" waiting on the street and on the tree looking for Jesus. Give them audience when they come in the odd times, and keep looking for them. This is the pathway to influence them for Jesus. Here we draw the curtains on lesson 32. Glory be to God. Hallelujah! 

 *NOTE*