Proper 26
Jesus welcomes
Luke 19:1-10
Jesus demonstrated grace by showing love to the tax collector and giving him a second chance. In return, Zacchaeus truly had a change of heart, which is possible for anyone who meets Jesus.
Law/Gospel Theme: Jesus welcomed all people, and He was and is ready to forgive anyone with a repentant heart. This was great news for Zacchaeus, but it’s also wonderful for us to remember! When we trust the work that Jesus has already done and continues to do, it lets our lives be changed and should encourage us to tell others about Him.
Prayer: Lord, make Your love the foundation of our lives. May our love for you express itself in our eagerness to good for others. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Hymn: 70 “Praise to the LORD, the Almighty”
Confession/Absolution:
LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.
In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.
And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ.
And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
Luke 19:1-10
(Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”
9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
Hymn: 72 Rock of Ages
Do you know what God does for our lives? He is in the heart changing business.
A changed heart is about your attitude and motivation on the inside. It’s about how you think and feel. When you know Jesus and what He’s done for you, it really changes things for the better!
we might remember him as being that short guy who had to climb a tree just to spot Jesus in a crowd.
Well, that is true, but it’s not the most important part of the story.
People knew Zacchaeus. Not only because he was short. But also because of his reputation.
He was called a tax collector. Which meant he would steal from people, and they couldn’t even do anything about it.
When people get their money taken away, it usually doesn’t make them so happy!
So Zacchaeus didn’t really have many friends. And he may have been a bit greedy.
But he heard about Jesus and wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Jesus could spy him up in that tree. And Jesus knew his heart and intentions. He called out to Zacchaeus by name. And invited himself over for dinner!
Some of the people thought Jesus should not be hanging out with someone like Zacchaeus. And they criticized Him for it.
Do you think Jesus was upset by that? Not at all! He wanted to associate with sinners. Which is good news for us since we have all sinned. No one is ever different.
He also knew that Zacchaeus could change. And in fact, he did.
After meeting Jesus, his life couldn’t go back to the way it was.
He promised that if he had cheated someone, he would pay them back with extra money included!
He turned his act around, and I’ll bet he had more friends as a result.
He at least had one incredibly good friend: Jesus! And we can have Jesus in our lives, too. We can know His love, change our hearts, and tell others about Him.
The story of Zacchaeus shows us the power of what happens when people meet Jesus. His attitude changed from greed to generosity.
The extreme generosity of Zachaeus was evidence that his heart had been transformed by Jesus’ love for him.
Jesus’ mission is to seek everyone. As we are reminded that a restored and changed life is always worth celebrating.
Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for Your words and promises. Help us come quickly to you in prayer. Thank you for your promise to hear and to answer. Thank you for loving every one of us. Help us to share that love with one another. And to let you make our hearts new each day.
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