Luke 19:1-10
For some reason this story congers up the old flannel graph images for me more than any other. I can still see Jesus walking by in the crowd and short little Zacc up in the tree for a look-see. What a funny story of a man who gave away money!? Reading this story within the context of Luke though helps lend some additional weight to what is going on here however. Just a few short paragraphs earlier the Rich Young Ruler was deciding that Jesus was too radical to follow. Jesus himself said "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (18:25)." His disciples rightly wonder who then can be saved?
For some reason this story congers up the old flannel graph images for me more than any other. I can still see Jesus walking by in the crowd and short little Zacc up in the tree for a look-see. What a funny story of a man who gave away money!? Reading this story within the context of Luke though helps lend some additional weight to what is going on here however. Just a few short paragraphs earlier the Rich Young Ruler was deciding that Jesus was too radical to follow. Jesus himself said "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (18:25)." His disciples rightly wonder who then can be saved? With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible. It is even possible for a rich, dishonest, slime of a man like Zacc to meet Jesus and be forever radically changed. This rich man makes some major changes and seems to even do so with joy. He is following Jesus all the way. Jesus didn't even need to tell him, he already knew what he needed to do. He didn't try and justify himself or find a partway to Jesus solution but went all in. What do you need to give to Jesus? What do you need to surrender? Jesus can change us if we let Him, but we will need to follow where He leads. Are you ready?
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