Who cares that it was a sycamore fig-tree that Zacchaeus climbed? Of all the details Luke could’ve included, why this one? Could it be the key for unlocking a substantial element to the story that is often overlooked? I believe so. And what it unlocks will push us all to think deeper and harder about how we live out the biblical concepts of justice and righteousness, and why the entire book of Amos addresses these issues and appears to ultimately inform Zacchaeus’s response. It was these connections that originally gripped by attention towards the Zacchaeus story, and I believe they will grip you as well.

The Zacchaeus story ends with Jesus stating, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This wasn’t just a nice summary statement, but an electric proclamation that would’ve sent shockwaves through his listeners’ ears. Drawing upon two substantial prophetic books, Jesus demonstrates that he’s reclaiming the world, that he’s the fulfillment the entire biblical story, and that with extreme compassion, he’s bringing people back into the fold.

In the first two episodes, we examined Zacchaeus’ actions and how utterly remarkable his responses were. But how were such responses even possible? The answer lies in Jesus’ actions. They’re shocking, perplexing, and infuriating to those in the crowd, but life-giving and healing to those in need of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. May we not only embrace Jesus’ actions, but emulate them to others as well.

Following his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus’s response is utterly remarkable. He pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor and provide a fourfold restitution to those he’s wronged. He understands what a holistic response looks like, and offers an incredible pattern for us to follow in our lives as well.

We’re kicking off a series on Zacchaeus from Luke 19 where over the course of several weeks, we’re going to look at this story from a number of different angles. In this particular teaching, we look at Zacchaeus’ desire to change and what he had to overcome in order to have an encounter with Jesus. It’s going to be quite a ride as this electric story is about so much more than just a wee little man.

How often are we “there,” but not really “there?” How often are we distracted and not fully present in the moments we find ourselves in? What does that do to us, and particularly to those who become collateral damage in our inability to be present? This is what this teaching addresses as we look at a fascinating passage in Exodus 24 and seek to apply it to the various aspects of our lives, especially in our addiction (err, usage) of our cell phones.

We generally look for God in the big things, and yet, I believe God is most available to us in the everyday, humdrum activities of life. The problem is, we’re unaware as we speed through life, not slowing down long enough to notice the miracles in our midst and to encounter the divine in the daily. God woke Moses up to this reality, and I believe God wants to do the same for you and me.

On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a statement known as “The Declaration of Independence,” announcing that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states – no longer a part of the British Empire – and calling themselves, “The United States of America.” The most well-known line within the Declaration indicates that Americans have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty is freedom. But what does the Bible have to say about freedom? That’s what’s tackled in this teaching as we learn the paradoxical truth that in order to find true freedom, we must seek slavery.

Rain was always a downer for me growing up. It spoiled the outdoor fun. As a result, I never understood Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 about God sending sun and rain on the righteous and unrighteous and then concluding with being “perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” – as if that was even possible. But set in its context, this passage makes all the sense in the world, and Jesus’ words take on powerful implications for our lives.

Being intentional with God’s Word is essential to living a deep and meaningful life. In the biblical period, God’s people were called to not only dig into the Scriptures but also to have an ongoing discussion with their friends and family about them. For many of us, our time with God’s Word often stops with reading it and we miss out on the critical responsibility of discussion. In this episode, we explore why it’s so crucial to be intentional about our relationship with the Bible so that it permeates every facet of our lives.