Faith, Finances, and a Fresh Start – Luke 19:1-10
Just a few days before the crucifixion, we see a beautiful example of the forgiving grace of God through the actions of Jesus in dealing with Zaccheus.
ZACCHEUS WAS SELFISH – vs 2-4:
He was the “chief tax collector,” a term not used elsewhere. The Roman taxation system involved the auctioning of the privilege to tax to the highest bidder,
He was also very rich. The danger of riches is that we trust in them. Riches lead to luxury which leads to self-indulgence which leads to spiritual indifference.
ZACCHEUS MET JESUS – vs 5-6:
Jesus came to the place and looked up. “Zaccheus” – Jesus knew him! Jesus has an “uncanny” ability to know the secrets of others. But, Jesus also insists that following Him cannot be done anonymously! You must encounter Jesus!
To Zaccheus’s credit, he “received Him gladly.” Zaccheus was interested in this kingdom of God that Jesus preached and he would gladly receive it. He is no longer the outcast he was!
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ZACCHEUS BECOMES SELFLESS – vss 7-8:
The people grumble in vs 7. They are upset!
1. To accept the hospitality of a man who was dishonestly rich was to fellowship his evil deeds, in their minds! But, Jesus teaches us that association does not always mean fellowship.
2. Social exclusion was the common people’s only means of showing their disapproval.
But, Jesus’ approach to Zaccheus makes him change in a way that the social exclusion did not. Leo Tolstoy said, “Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody things of changing himself.”
Prior to encountering Jesus, Zaccheus lived to make money. Now, he will live to share it. It’s just like what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 – old things have passed away. New things have come.
Contact with Jesus opened Zaccheus’s heart and opened his hand. The Pharisees, who had murmured against Jesus eating with Zaccheus, only gave 1/10. Zaccheus out gives them tremendously!
Contact with Jesus has more than transformed Zaccheus It has turned his world upside down! Despite his former way of life, salvation is available also to Zaccheus. He gets a new, fresh start. Jesus can do wondrous things with the worst of people. He can turn a man who scoffs into a man who prays.
–Paul Holland
