Monday, September 16, 2013

Week 3: Monday

Read Luke 19-10

SOAP Luke 19:8-10

Zaccheaus' heart change is evident because he is desperate to see Jesus, thus climbing the tree.  His repentance is also clear when he vows to repay all of the people he cheated.  I think Jesus proclaimed Zaccheaus' salvation for the benefit of those standing nearby, rather than Zaccheaus' benefit.  He wanted them to know that everyone could receive Christ, even an ill-reputed tax collector.  I like this story because I think it is evidence that those who seek Jesus will always find him. 

4 comments:

  1. Good Morning Girls :-)

    Riches sometimes can be measured by what you own such as your home, your land or even what you drive. The bible speaks on two different kinds of riches, it sometimes recognized wealth as a sign of approval and blessings from God, such as the case with King Solomon, or identified it with the state of the wickedness like Judas Iscariot. The Lord Jesus never said that having riches was wrong; He said that loving them too much was where the trouble would be. I can’t help but think about the differences between the rich young ruler, who was attached to his wealth upon the earth, and Zacchaeus who was willing to place all his wealth in heaven. I pray I would be like Zacchaeus, who was ready to go a little farther and climb to a higher branch so that He could see Jesus clearly and receive his blessings.
    #Imclimbingup

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    1. Good point about the difference between earthly wealth and heavenly wealth.

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  2. Zaccheaus's willingness to humble himself by climbing the tree just so he could see Jesus implies faith to me. He was a very rich man and I would think rich men didn't climb trees back in those days. Jesus didn't hesitate to say he MUST go to his house. Even though Zaccheaus was a notorious sinner, Jesus was willing to be a friend to this tax collector. Zaccheaus was willing to right his wrongs. This act of faith and obedience saved him. Lord, help me to be a friend to sinners so that I can be your instrument in seeing the lost saved.

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    1. Ha! I'm sure you're right about rich men not climbing trees. That gives a new meaning to the measure of his faith.

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