GOSPEL OF LUKE: Chapter 19

Luke 19:1-10  Zacchaeus
When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped. "What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?"......  Jesus said, "Today is salvation day in this home!  Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham!  For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost."
     The story of Zacchaeus takes me back a couple chapters in Luke to all the 'Lost' parables.  Jesus calls Zacchaeus by name.  He knows Zacchaeus is ready for a change of heart.  He knows he is a lost soul looking to be found.  So Jesus calls and Zacchaeus responds.  How big is the 'Lost and Found' box in the Kingdom of God?  It must be huge!!  

Luke 19: 28-40  The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

They brought the colt to Jesus. Then, throwing their coats on its back, they helped Jesus get on. As he rode, the people gave him a grand welcome, throwing their coats on the street.

37-38 Right at the crest, where Mount Olives begins its descent, the whole crowd of disciples burst into enthusiastic praise over all the mighty works they had witnessed:

Blessed is he who comes,
    the king in God’s name!
All’s well in heaven!
    Glory in the high places!   (MSG:35-38)

     Jesus enters Jerusalem with humility, still letting his actions speak for who he is, letting the crowd proclaim his status.  His power was not in regal acclaim, but in the service and message he proclaimed.  When we 'enter' a new community, do we come with the same humility and grace, letting our service speak for us?  Are we riding a donkey or driving a Porsche?  





Luke 19: 45-46  Jesus Turns the Temple Tables

Then Jesus went into the Temple and began to drive out the merchants, 46 saying to them, “It is written in the Scriptures that God said, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer.’ But you have turned it into a hideout for thieves!”  (GNT)

     Money-changers converted the Roman coins to Hebrew shekels in order for the worshipers to purchase the various sacrificial animals and products necessary for 'atonement'.  Fraud and opportunism was rampant and the temple had become a place of commercialism and greed.  It was no longer a place of worship and praise.  This is one of the few times Jesus apparently becomes angry and reacts in a sudden, physical way: he throws over the money-changing tables and drives the merchants out.