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.]