Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

In this chapter we meet Zaccheus, the chief tax collector. Tax collectors were hated and considered evil because they sided with the Roman oppressors and extorted people.  When Jesus sees Zaccheus, he asks to have dinner with him. For Jesus to associate with someone who was considered so sinful would have been very controversial.

At the time of Jesus, the Jews were waiting for a Messiah to come and overthrow the government. They believed a true Messiah would bring immediate power. But Jesus was telling people through the parable of the "ten minas" that all of his impact wouldn't be immediate. Instead, he would be going away for a while (but would later return). While Jesus is gone, he wants his followers to advance God's kingdom of love. Each will be required to give an account to God for what they accomplished for him.

With Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem he declares publicly that he was the Messiah and King of Israel. (This was fulfilling Zechariah 9:9.)

In the temple courts, people were extorting money from the poor, all in the name of God. Jesus quotes Jeremiah 7:11 and Isaiah 56:7 while he throws the corrupt religious vendors out of the temple. This angered the priests and teachers.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

The story of Zaccheus teaches us that God is for the tax collectors -- the rejects, the corrupt, the cheaters, the scandalous. God is a God of grace who loves us and pursues us. Just as Jesus approached Zaccheus hiding in that tree, so he looks for us when we are hiding from him. And just like Zaccheus, we can have the courage to walk away from the sin that's holding us back and start fresh with Jesus. 

Jesus ascended to heaven 2,000 years ago, but he will return. When he does, we will have to give an account for how we spent our life on earth. God gives each of us gifts that he expects us to use responsibly for his glory. Those who use their gifts to the fullest capability will be blessed with even more. Those who squander God's generous gifts will lose it all.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

God is pursuing you, walking toward you. Do you see him? He wants you to let go of your past and present sins. Just like Zaccheus turned from his corrupt ways, you can turn away too. Walk away from the sin that is holding you back. Let him change you and what you care about. 

We will all come face to face with Jesus someday. What will you tell him about your time on earth? How did you serve him with your time, your money, your talents, your ambition, your relationships?  Commit today to using everything God has given you for him. Find a way to put that commitment into practice this week.

Jesus wept for Jerusalem. Have you ever wept over your city? Do you think Jesus may look over the world and weep because so many are far from him? Pray for the people in our world, in your city, who never attend church. Most of them have never experienced God's love or grace. Pray for the people you work with, your neighbors, your kid's teachers. You may be the only light of God they ever see. Pray to see Vegas through the eyes of Jesus and for opportunities to share God's love.