Read Luke 19
Highlights:
The real reason why Jesus came (Luke 19:10). Individual Christian ministry (19:13). Jesus answers questions concerning the resurrection (20:27-40).
Jericho, the city of palm trees, was a wealthy town which was enriched by its palm and balsam trees and its streams of fresh water. Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich (Luke 19:1-2).
Obviously a Jewish tax collector was looked upon by the Jews as a thief and an agent of the Roman government. He was considered to be very unpatriotic to the Jews and even less religious. Many felt that his position indicated he had sold his soul for wealth: He was rich (19:2). But in spite of his wealth and apparent greed there was a deep dissatisfaction. He desperately longed for something that his money could not buy.
Zacchaeus had long been accustomed to ridicule and wasn't concerned about what people would think of him. He was lost in sin, and he knew it. He was little. . . . So he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see Him (Jesus): for He was to pass that way (19:3-4).
It was the love which Christ had for a world of sinners that led Him from heaven's glory to earth and caused Jesus to say to this unloved and unlovely publican: Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house (19:5). Zacchaeus made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully (19:6), for he found his Savior, and Jesus rejoiced over the salvation of a lost sinner.
Earlier Jesus had said to some: Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say (Luke 6:46)? Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21). But Zacchaeus immediately began to show tangible evidence of his faith and repentance. His life was transformed, and he said: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold (19:8). Zacchaeus offered twice the restitution required of thieves under Jewish Law (Ex. 22:1,4,7,9; Num. 5:6-7). And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house (Luke 19:9).
For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
Thought for Today:
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance (Luke 3:8).
Cross References:
For Luke 19:38: See Ps. 118:26. Luke 19:46: See Is. 56:7; Jer. 7:11. Luke 20:17: See Ps. 118:22. Luke 20:28: See Deut. 25:5. Luke 20:37: See Ex. 3:6. Luke 20:42-43: See Ps. 110:1.
Word Studies:
19:13 Occupy use your talent to buy and sell; 19:16 pound a unit of money to illustrate opportunities to increase; 19:21 austere stern, exacting; 20:20 feign themselves just men pretend to be sincere followers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Marcia Fudge (OH) • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Country: Congo, Republic of the (2 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: French and Lingala • Limited religious freedom, but government hostility has lessened • 41% Roman Catholic; 20% fetishism and belief in ancestral spirits; 17% Protestant; 9% cults • Prayer Suggestion: Study and heed the instruction of the Word of God that your prayers may be heard (Prov. 1:28-30).
Memory Verse for the Week:
