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Luke 19

Compassion and repentance go together. Jesus shows compassion for a tax collector by approaching him, and Zaccheus responds by repenting of his sinful past. Jesus establishes a kingdom of workers who will carry His saving message. As the parable of the minas indicates, some will reject Him and be wasteful with their opportunities. But those who engage enthusiastically in sharing Him with others will be rewarded. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the last time, some worshipers gather to praise Him. But sadly, many in Jerusalem do not. It hurts Jesus to see so many reject His mercy. Jesus goes to the temple to drive out the greedy men and this enrages the Jewish leaders. These men prove to be the hateful and wasteful citizens from the parable of the minas.   

Jesus went out of His way to help a tax collector in a tree, a man most would avoid. The parable of the minas, or even the talents, is only understood from this perspective. The work of cultivating His investment in us demands reaching people who are seeking Jesus. Evangelism is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The Jewish leaders simply could not understand this. They wanted to protect their own established traditions, even though it had led to ungodly behavior, like money changing in the temple. They hated Him for demanding that they focus less on themselves and more on others. We must emulate Jesus and never these men of selfish motives.  

Merciful Father, we are Zaccheus. We are sinners in search of someone to love us. Jesus has come, brought salvation to us, and challenged us to repent and lovingly serve Him faithfully. Lord, we are forever indebted to Him. Please give us the wisdom to know how to show that in the way we love, teach, and help others. You have invested in us, and we pray for the courage to multiply that investment. We will worship Your Son with boldness and joy. Please discipline us to focus less on self, money, and status, and more on kingdom ministry. 

-       What would it require for you or me to derail our day to stop and notice Zaccheus and then go to his home? How can we be more like Jesus?

-       You belong to Jesus. This is such a peaceful place to be. How important is it for you to share that hope with people who need Him?

-       It seems money and greed kept the Pharisees too blind to see Jesus. What can you do each day to keep that from happening to you?