15th Sunday of Luke
Many people think God delights in those who are spiritually superior, and many of us think that God shuns those who are sinners.
But, if this is our vision of God, then God isn’t who we think he is.
Zacchaeus was a rich tax-collector. This means he had a nasty reputation among his own people.
By working for Rome, he had betrayed his people because Rome had enslaved the Judeans.
And, to secure their own living, tax-collectors often taxed people more than they owed and pocked the extra for themselves.
In sort, Zacchaeus secured a nice living for himself, but at the expense of others.
He idolized money, and he was unjust to his neighbors.
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 (click here to read)
Bottom Line: Because God seeks us, we don’t need to seek an advantage over others.
Discussion Questions
- Today’s story is about letting go of things we idolize, especially when we chose “things” over justice. What idols do you have? What do you need to let go of?
- Justice for Zacchaeus meant repaying those he had wronged. I’m sure this was tough. Is there anyone in your life you need to “repay”? How will you go about putting things right with them?
- Knowing that God was seeking to stay with him made Zacchaeus see life in a whole new way. If it were you, instead of Zacchaeus, that Jesus was speaking to, what would you change in your life? Did you know that God is speaking to you! So, what’s stopping you from making those changes you need to make?
Moving Forward
The biblical story is about how God frees creation from death and sin, especially the sins of idolatry and injustice.
Zacchaeus is an example of both these sins. Yet, Jesus doesn’t shun this sinner.
Instead, he seeks him out and lets him know that God wants to dwell in his house.
This brings about a change of heart (repentance) in Zacchaeus.
No longer does it make sense to take advantage of others in order to get ahead in life.
He no longer idolizes his wealth, and, so, he repays those he’s wronged.
Now, Zacchaeus becomes a means of justice in the world.
Because he’s freed from his bondage to sin, he’s a true son of Abraham.
Like Zacchaeus, God is seeking you, asking to dwell in your house.
Will you respond like Zacchaeus? Will this bring about a change of heart so that you’ll use your gifts as a means of justice in the world?
Changing Your Mind
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what has been lost.” (Luke 19:10)