CHAPTER 19

1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

Suppose Jesus came walking through your town today.
Would you RUN and find a place where you could see Him?

And, suppose Jesus called you from that place, and said He wanted to come to YOUR house!
Would you "make haste" and receive Him "joyfully?"

To me, that's the main point of this story!
Zacchaeus had heard all the stories about Jesus.
He knew some called Him Master, some referred to Him as Lord, and some called Him a devil.
But Zacchaeus wanted to see for HIMSELF!

Many people hear about Jesus today.
They take what others say at face value.
But, they never take the time to know Jesus PERSONALLY!

Zacchaeus was "chief among the publicans." In other words he was probably the head of all the tax collectors!
His position caused him to be despised by other Jews.

But Jesus was quite aware of Zacchaeus being in the tree!
And, Jesus called to him.
Do you suppose Zacchaeus was embarrassed to be seen up in a tree straining to see Jesus?
Why should ANYONE be embarrassed to diligently search into the personality of Jesus?

All the other people around immediately began to murmur in disgust.
They couldn't believe Jesus would actually eat a meal with a TAX COLLECTOR!!
They believed tax collectors were "sinners!"

But that's why Jesus came to earth!! He came to SAVE SINNERS!!

Now, the name "Zacchaeus" is a Hebrew name.
This shows two things:
First, Zacchaeus was a Jew; Second, not all tax collectors were Romans!

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

When Jesus visited his home, Zacchaeus prepared a meal for Him.
Probably, near the end of the meal, Zacchaeus stood and made the proclamation in verse 8.
More than likely, he had listened to Jesus intently all through the visit.
And, he was convicted of his sinfulness and wanted to make it right.

Zacchaeus was a "taker," not a "giver."
His relationship with Christ CHANGED him!!
Now, the law stated (Leviticus 6:5) that if a man had falsely taken something of another's, he was to restore the prinicpal and 20% interest.
But Zacchaeus imposed a more strict penalty upon himself. According to the law (Exodus 22:1), Zacchaeus assumed his guilt more closely to THEFT.
This was EVIDENCE of his sincerity in surrendering to Jesus as Lord!

Jesus' statement in verse 9 is very clear.
Zacchaeus was saved, not because he was a physical descendent of Abraham; but, because he BELIEVED GOD like Abraham (Genesis 15:6)!

Salvation does NOT come because of a "blood line!"
Often, when I've been telling someone of Jesus, I might ask, "Have you ever asked Jesus to be your PERSONAL Lord and Savior?"
And, I'll hear an answer similar to this, "Well, my Dad was a preacher."
Or, "My Mom was a great Christian." May I say, NOONE is going to ride into heaven on the coattails of Dad or Mom.
It's a PERSONAL COMMITMENT!

And, that's exactly what Zacchaeus had done! He made a PERSONAL commitment!
Jesus both pronounced him saved, AND told the PURPOSE for His visit to earth:
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to SAVE that which was LOST!"
WITHOUT Christ, a person is LOST!
The only way to receive salvation is to receive Jesus as LORD!

Have YOU made a PERSONAL commitment to Jesus and asked Him to become your LORD?

The story of Zacchaeus is a lesson on how God can CHANGE a person through surrender to Jesus as Lord.

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

This parable is a lesson concerning FAITHFULNESS as the DETERMINER of salvation.
When a person genuinely surrenders to Jesus as Lord, a CHANGE is made in that person's life.
He WILL be faithful to following Christ because God's Holy Spirit ENTERS his life and begins teaching how to follow Jesus.

Recently, I read of some Christians who were placed into an automobile.
They were told that if they did not recant their faith in Christ, they would be BURNED TO DEATH!
They did not; and, they were burned to death.
The answer is that when one is genuinely saved, he/she CANNOT deny Christ!
Further, the will of God will be manifested in a saved person's life, because:
"...it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Phil 2:13)

Some of the people following Jesus assumed that He was going to Jerusalem to establish the final "kingdom of God." Jesus had already told them that the "kingdom of God" was "at hand" (near) (Mark 1:15). And later (Luke 17:21), He would tell them the "kingdom of God is within you."

Jesus had also said (Luke 9:62), that anyone who began to "plow," then "looking back" is not "fit for the kingdom of God!" Anyone who begins "looking back" (by living in his own self desires) plows a CROOKED LINE!
Jesus had also said (Mark 10:22), "He that endureth to the END shall be saved."
In other words, the person who is genuinely saved "endures" the hardships of life maintaining faith in Christ.

Jesus had also said (Mark 14:25) "Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
This points to a "kingdom of God" in a pure state and at sometime in the future.

Put all those statements together, and we see that:
"the kingdom of God" is a present active state WITHIN a saved person, which
looks FORWARD to a pure and complete state.

Now, see how this parable exemplifies that.

First, the "nobleman" (Lord, Master, Owner) gave one "pound" ( unit of monetary value).
The "pound" of silver TODAY would be worth about $37.86.
The "pound" of gold TODAY would be worth about $40,672.
(This assumes the "pound" was equal to a "minah" - or about 2 lbs troy.)

At any rate, each servant was given a monetary value worthy of exchange and barter.
They were also given instructions to "occupy" until the Mater returned.
To "occupy" meant to utilize in a businesslike manner and improve on what they had.

Now, the Master returns and requires return on His investment.
The first servant had gained 10 pounds with his one pound.
The Master said, "WELL DONE. You've been good and FAITHFUL. Enter the JOY of thy Lord!"

The second servant had gained five pounds.
The Master said, "WELL DONE. You've been good and FAITHFUL. Enter the JOY of thy Lord!"

The third servant only kept the pound "laid up in a napkin."
It earned NOTHING.
Hear what the Master said: "Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant." (vs 22) He was a "wicked" servant!!
Also, "Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?" (vs 23)
At LEAST he could have put it in the bank and earned some interest.

The man who did not "occupy;" was he a servant?
Yes. He was so called in Vs 13; and was delivered a talent.
But he was an "unfruitful servant."
Therefore, he lost rewards.

ALso, "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me." (vs 27)
Remember there were other "citizens" (vs 14) who were not called servants.
They despised their Master!
As it has been said, "They who deny Christ to rule over them in grace, will find He rules over them in WRATH!"

Christ is not unjust. He rules and judges in eternal and absolute truth.

Let us understand one thing: When Christ puts the "deposit" of His Holy Spirit in our hearts, HE compels us to do SOMETHING for Him!
Again, let me emphasize Ephesians 2:13, "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

Jesus led the group in a southeasterly direction from Jericho to Jerusalem. In that line, they would pass Bethany and Bethphage, then come to the eastern side of "the mount of olives."

From the 700 feet high cleft of the mount of olives, they would be able to see ALL of Jerusalem. Before Jesus arrived at the mount of olives, He wanted the disciples to go into Bethphage (See verse 30, "the village over against you") and find "a colt tied..."

They were to "loose him" and bring him to Jesus. Jesus knew that someone would ask them why they were taking the animal. He told the disciples exactly what to say: "the Lord hath need of him." The Greek word used here for "Lord" is kurios, which means supreme in authority (it can also be used to denote "master, Sir"). Jesus knew that the person who asked why they were taking the animals would have complete knowledge of WHO wanted them!

Why "an ass?" Why not a big white horse? Horses were not in abundance in that country, and were used for war. At His first advent, Jesus came not to "judge and make war." He came to "judge," yes; but He came to bring PEACE! He brought the peace of God which brings salvation to men though men war against God by sin. Donkeys were beasts of burden and quite commonly used in the country. There was significant history that exemplified one coming publicly into a town on an ass was one sent for judgment (see Judges 12:14).

Further, Mark (see Mark 11:7)and Luke (see Luke 19:35) both tell us that Jesus rode upon the "colt." This particular "colt" was significant, for he was a colt "wheron never a man sat" (Mark 11:2). This was an UNBROKEN colt, not yet tamed for man's riding. Certainly GOD could ride him!!

32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

The disciples went into Bethphage and brought the ass and the colt back to Jesus. Then they placed their cloaks upon the colt, and placed some of their cloaks upon the ground in front of Jesus as He rode.

Other members of the crowded area (due to Passover) followed the disciples example. So many of them that Matthew says "a very great multitude spread their garments in the way." And others of the crowd "cut down branches from the trees" and placed them in front of Jesus as He rode.

This majestic procession reminds one of Solomon when he rode upon David's mule to his proclamation of being the new king (See 1Kings 1:33-46)

Jesus, the Son of God, came into Jerusalem at what has been named His "Triumphant Entry." He came riding an untamed colt that God had prepared for Him. He came as King of kings, and Lord of lords. He did not come in the WRATH of judgment. He came to bring a reign of "peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14). He came bringing the price for salvation - His own blood.

And the crowds, going to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, RECOGNIZED what was happening. They realized that MESSIAH had come!!

They not only spread garments and palm branches before Him, they also began to cry out in loud voices: "HOSANNA in the Highest!! HOSANNA to the Son of David! BLESSED is He that cometh in the Name of the LORD!" This was a quote of the song of ascension in Psalm 118:25).

Philosophers, scientists, and others can say all they want about Jesus only being recognized as a "teacher." THESE huge crowds recognized Him as MESSIAH! They saw it BEFORE He was crucified, and they saw it even MORE after He arose from the grave!!

39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

The whole UNIVESE knew what was happening!
Even the "rocks" knew what was happening!
How dumb could these Pharisees be to not recognize what even "rocks" could see!

41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

There, on the Mount of Olives, Jesus could see the whole of Jerusalem.
The sight of it, and the knowledge of their rebellion and rejection broke His heart!
He "wept over it!"

Then, Jesus prophesied.
If they only KNEW! They could have PEACE with God!
But their eyes were blinded by self and tradition, and they could not see the TRUTH!

Soon, there would come a day when "enemies" would camp around Jerusalem and no one could leave.
Then, the enemy would come in and destroy men, women and children.
And, they would destroy the city, and especially the temple!

It did NOT have to happen!
Only because of the sin of selfish rebellion soldiers entered Jerusalem in 70ad and utterly destroyed the temple, the city and the people!

Neither does eternal wrath have to happen!
If people will surrender to Christ NOW, they will not have to face His WRATH on the final judgment day!

45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He went straight to "the temple of God." He did not go to the palace and claim the earthly kingdom, instead He went to the temple and claimed the eternal spiritual kingdom!

John 2:14-17 tells us that Jesus had driven out these before. Now He does it again!

In His earlier cleansing of the temple He stated they had made God's house a house of merchandise (John 2:16). Now He says they have "made it a den of thieves!"

The temple courts were to be used by the multitudes to pray and praise the Lord. But the temple courts were dominated by those who bought and sold the animals for sacrifice. It was also dominated by those who were money changers, and made a profit from God's business.

Jesus continued to teach and to heal, showing His heavenly power.
But the "chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to DESTROY Him!"
Blinded by selfish pride, they refused to believe that God could come in a man!
Refusing all the proofs of miracle after miracle, they chose to DESTROY Him instead of WORSHIP Him!

But they found it hard to do, because the "people were very attentive to HEAR Him!"

Friends, when we were so blinded by the sight of sin we could not see heaven, Jesus came!
When we were so lame from the conduct of sin we could not reach heaven on our own, Jesus came!

Let us PRAISE HIM!!!
And may His praise be PERFECTED in us!

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.