Week of 5/1 Scripture to Memorize: Luke 19:10 Day 1 Read: Luke 19:1 ...
Week of 5/1 Scripture to Memorize: Luke 19:10 Day 1 Read: Luke 19:1-4 Reflect: What do you learn about Zacchaeus from these verses? Consider: In the East, it is unusual for a man to run, especially a wealthy government official; yet Zacchaeus ran down the street like a little boy following a parade. And he even climbed a tree! Curiosity is certainly characteristic of most children, and Zacchaeus was motivated by curiosity that day. John Calvin wrote, “Curiosity and simplicity are a sort of preparation for faith.” This is often the case, and it was certainly true of Zacchaeus.1 Respond: How did you pursue Jesus? What obstacles did you overcome? Is there anyone you know who is pursuing Jesus? How can you help them? Day 2 Read: Luke 7:36-50 Reflect: Where was Jesus eating dinner? Who pursued Him? What obstacles did this person overcome in order to meet with Jesus? Consider: A woman arrived at the dinner after she learned that Jesus was eating there. She had lived a sinful life, and was probably a prostitute in the community. Her life was known enough for the Pharisee to characterize her as a sinner (v. 39). She was not an invited guest at the dinner gathering, but came in anyway with a jar of perfume. Her presence was not unusual for when a Rabbi was invited to someone’s house others could stop by and listen to the conversation.2 Respond: How do we normally treat those who are known to be leading sinful lives? How does Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus and this woman challenge you? How can we as a church minister to those who are trapped in their sin and desperately want a relationship with Jesus? Day 3 Read: Luke 19:5-8 Reflect: How did Jesus respond to Zacchaeus’ quirky behavior? 1
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 251–252. John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 223–224. 2
Consider: The word “gladly” (chairōn) is literally “rejoicing.” Luke used this verb (and the noun chara) nine times (1:14; 8:13; 10:17; 13:17; 15:5, 9, 32; 19:6, 37) to denote an attitude of joy accompanying faith and salvation.3 Respond: What evidence is there of joy in your life as a result of your salvation in Christ? How would others characterize you? Day 4 Read: Luke 19:9-10 Reflect: What transformation must have occurred in Zacchaeus to spur his reaction in v. 8? How might this have been a change from the way he would have responded to the poor before his relationship with Jesus? Consider: “Because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” This was not due to his being racially a descendant of Abraham but to his having brought forth fruit in keeping with repentance and having responded in faith and repentance to Abraham’s Seed (Acts 3:25–26; Gal 3:16). By this Zacchaeus bore witness to God’s grace by which even a rich man can be saved (Luke 18:27). For the sense of being Abraham’s seed due to physical descent.4 Respond: How might gratitude for Jesus’ forgiveness and cleansing have spurred Zacchaeus’ selflessness and compassion for others? What does love require of us in terms of showing compassion to others? What can we do to love people where they are, just as Jesus did for Zacchaeus? Day 5 Read: Acts 16:25-34 Reflect: Who received salvation in this story? What were the circumstances? What were the visible results in the lives of those who were saved? Consider: The Roman law dealt severely with jailors who were unable to produce the prisoners who had been put into their custody. If prisoners who were liable to the death penalty were lost, the jailor himself would be promptly executed in their stead. That is why the jailor, despairing of his own life when he thought that all his prisoners had escaped, preferred to kill himself rather than to be ignominiously killed by the praetors. 5 Respond: If someone were to ask you, “What must I do to be saved?” how would you respond? Spend time today considering the how and why of your salvation. Share your story with someone.
3
Ibid., 252. Robert H. Stein, Luke, vol. 24, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 469. 5 R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), 676. 4
Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 251–252. John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 223–224. 2
Consider: The word “gladly” (chairōn) is literally “rejoicing.” Luke used this verb (and the noun chara) nine times (1:14; 8:13; 10:17; 13:17; 15:5, 9, 32; 19:6, 37) to denote an attitude of joy accompanying faith and salvation.3 Respond: What evidence is there of joy in your life as a result of your salvation in Christ? How would others characterize you? Day 4 Read: Luke 19:9-10 Reflect: What transformation must have occurred in Zacchaeus to spur his reaction in v. 8? How might this have been a change from the way he would have responded to the poor before his relationship with Jesus? Consider: “Because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” This was not due to his being racially a descendant of Abraham but to his having brought forth fruit in keeping with repentance and having responded in faith and repentance to Abraham’s Seed (Acts 3:25–26; Gal 3:16). By this Zacchaeus bore witness to God’s grace by which even a rich man can be saved (Luke 18:27). For the sense of being Abraham’s seed due to physical descent.4 Respond: How might gratitude for Jesus’ forgiveness and cleansing have spurred Zacchaeus’ selflessness and compassion for others? What does love require of us in terms of showing compassion to others? What can we do to love people where they are, just as Jesus did for Zacchaeus? Day 5 Read: Acts 16:25-34 Reflect: Who received salvation in this story? What were the circumstances? What were the visible results in the lives of those who were saved? Consider: The Roman law dealt severely with jailors who were unable to produce the prisoners who had been put into their custody. If prisoners who were liable to the death penalty were lost, the jailor himself would be promptly executed in their stead. That is why the jailor, despairing of his own life when he thought that all his prisoners had escaped, preferred to kill himself rather than to be ignominiously killed by the praetors. 5 Respond: If someone were to ask you, “What must I do to be saved?” how would you respond? Spend time today considering the how and why of your salvation. Share your story with someone.
3
Ibid., 252. Robert H. Stein, Luke, vol. 24, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 469. 5 R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1961), 676. 4
