Of all the famous Bible stories that have been (or will be) shared in this “Father’s Stories” sermon series, my son’s favorite is the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10. I don’t know for sure what his primary attraction is to this story. Many possibilites exist:
1) He likes the song (“Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he!”)
2) He is vertically challenged, so he relates to Zacchaeus. (There is no way to take Kimberly and my genes and get anyone taller than probably 5’6″ or 5’7″)
3) He is blown away by Zacchaeus as a powerful living illustration of what it looks like to live out two of Jesus more difficult teachings.
As a pastor/theologian, I guess I am hoping that the right answer is #3. As a basketball player, I am sympathizing that Josh would answer #2. As a pragmatic realist, I am guessing that Josh really likes the song (#1)!
This Sunday at Wildwood, we will be looking at the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10 as we explore week 4 in our 5 week series entitled, “A Father’s Stories.” As we look at the story of Zacchaeus, we will be be primarily looking at it through answer #3 above . . . seeing how Zacchaeus is a living example to us of what it looks like to live out two of Jesus teaching points from Luke 18. Which teaching points are they? Why don’t you read Luke 18 before Sunday and see what you think.
We’ll break this passage down in both of our worship services Sunday morning at Wildwood in either the 9:30 or 10:50 service. We look forward to worshipping with your family at Wildwood this weekend!
[NOTE: In the comments section around the post, write what you think are the teaching points from Luke 18 that Zacchaeus lives out, as well as include any other questions or thoughts you have leading up to Sunday.]
Of course, he is a tax collector and an outcast from Jewish society. He may not have been welcomed into the crowd of people who were with Jesus, so he got up in the tree to (1) be able to see, while being (2) separate from the crowd. This is similar to the positioning of the tax collector in the temple.
Zacchaeus certainly came as a child would come–humbly. He climbed up a tree, he obeyed Jesus, when He told him to come down quickly, and he received Jesus into his house (and heart), calling Him Lord.
Zacchaeus, of his own initiative (apparently), offered to get right financially with those he had cheated, and he offered half his wealth to the poor. He showed his change of heart by his actions. Upon hearing this Jesus responds with the words, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” Now, Jesus CERTAINLY knows who is saved, but why does he add the last clause, “…since he also is a son of Abraham”?
Those are my thoughts about how Zacchaeus lived out the teaching of chapter 18, but I am sure that I missed some other teaching points. Chapter 18 is rich!
Jesus, who was “passing through” Jericho, knew Zacchaeus’ name and called him by name. This is another indication of Jesus’ deity.
Bill,
Great insights! This is a very RICH passage. I am excited that we get to look at it together this weekend. Your observations and comments are very encouraging to me here as I study this passage.
Mark