Bible Pathways - Oct. 29, 2008
October 29
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Jesus' face is turned toward Jerusalem. Note His purpose (19:10). For those thinking His triumphal entry (19:28-40) was concerning His Kingdom, He tells the parable of the ten servants (19:11-26). He weeps for His own (19:41-44). The religious leaders seek ways to kill Jesus (19:47). They challenge His authority (20:1-8). Knowing that the parable about the wicked vinedressers speaks about them, the Pharisees continue trying to trip Jesus up. Look what they use now (20:20-26)! Jesus openly warns against trusting the scribes who were considered the final word in interpreting the Scriptures (20:45-47).
Jericho, the city of palm trees, was a wealthy town which wasenriched by its palm and balsam trees and its streams of fresh water. Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, There was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich (19:1-2).
Obviously a Jewish tax collector was looked upon by the Jews as a thief and an agent of the Roman government. He was considered to be very unpatriotic to the Jews and even less religious. His position indicated that he had sold his soul for wealth: He was rich (19.2). But buried beneath his greed was a deep dissatisfaction. He desperately longed for something that his money could not buy.
Zacchaeus had long been accustomed to ridicule and wasn't concerned about what people would think of him. He was lost in sin, and he knew it. He was little. . . . And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see Him (Jesus): for He was to pass that way (19:3-4).
It was the love which Christ had for the world of sinners that led Him from heaven's glory to earth and caused Jesus to say to this unloved and unlovely publican: Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house (19:5).
Zacchaeus made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully (19:6) for he found his Savior, and Jesus rejoiced over finding a lost sinner. Zacchaeus began to show tangible evidence of his faith and repentance. His life was transformed and he immediately said: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.(19:8). Zacchaeus offered twice the restitution required of thieves under Jewish Law (Exodus 22:1,4,7,9; Numbers 5:6-7). And Jesus said unto him This day is salvation come to this house (Luke 19:9).
For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
Thought for Today:
How blessed is the home that Jesus comes into. Does He live in your house?
Word Studies:
19:13 Occupy =b> Use your talent to buy and sell; 19:16 pound =b> a unit of money to illustrate opportunities to increase and abilities; 19:21 austere =b> stern, exacting; 20:20 feign =b> pretend to be sincere followers.
Cross References:
For Luke 19:38: See Psalm 118:26. Luke 19:46: See Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11. Luke 20:17: See Psalm 118:22. Luke 20:28: See Deuteronomy 25:5. Luke 20:37: See Exodus 3:6. Luke 20:42-43: See Psalm 110:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Valerie F. Virgona • Staff: Clarence Rathbone • Government Official: Sec. Dirk Kempthorne (Dept. of the Interior) • Country: Luxembourg (429,000) in western Europe • Major languages: Luxembourgish and German • Religious freedom • 84% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; .1% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for His mercy to cleanse from all sins (Psa. 51:2).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33
