A Small Visit Along The Way
Easter
The Road to Victory
A Pre-Easter Home Study
Object:
He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 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." So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, "Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."
Lesson Aim: That each person might know that Jesus cares intimately and has the time and the desire to know him/her.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each one in your group might come to see Jesus and know his love and care.
Lesson
Church signs are helpful and noticed by a lot of folks. Sometimes, though, they can provide a moment of accidental humor. Take, for example, some of these. On a church sign in Florida it said, "The More You Complain, The Longer God Lets You Live." Here's another from Quebec, Canada, "Escape From God, Worship With Us." How about this one from Florida, "11-26-97 Services Canceled. In Everything Give Thanks." My favorite comes from Kentucky. A singing group called "The Resurrection" was scheduled to sing at the First Baptist Church in Barlow, Kentucky. A snowstorm forced them to have to cancel the engagement. The pastor put the following message on the church sign, "The Resurrection Is Postponed."
Sometimes we just don't quite get it, do we? In the text for today we find a man who, for a long time, missed it. One day, though, Jesus visits and his life is forever changed. It is a familiar story, but perhaps there is more to it than the kids' song. We'll look at the account of the "Wee Little Man": Zacchaeus.
Background Of The Text
For us, Luke's gospel paints the picture of Jesus as the Messiah, the chosen one of God. Over the last several weeks we have traveled with him on the "road to victory." He is the "one who is to come." Today we find Jesus only days away from his triumphal entry. He is still teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. In Jericho, however, he has a divine appointment. A short fellow who has been far from God is about to encounter him. Let's look in on the story.
The Visit Teaches Us ...
Things Can Prevent Us From Seeing Jesus
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and a very wealthy man. These are two important facts to notice about this man. Levi/Matthew was a tax collector, but Zacchaeus was one step higher. He was a "chief" collector and, as such, was able to skim even more money for himself. Zacchaeus made a good living collecting what Rome demanded and whatever else he could get to line his own pockets. He was, of course, despised by the populace. For a long time, though, Zacchaeus didn't care. He was content and happy and that's what mattered. One day he heard that Jesus was coming to town. He wanted to see just who this Jesus was. He had heard so much. There was a problem, though. Zacchaeus was too short to see him. It wasn't just his being "height challenged" that prevented him from seeing Jesus. Zacchaeus was also "values challenged." That kept him from the Lord as well.
There are some today in that same boat. What prevents you from seeing Jesus? For some, it is unresolved anger. You've been hurt and frustrated. You're angry. It may not show, but it is there. You're so mad inside that you don't worship. Some of you can't see Jesus because of the hurt you've experienced. Someone hurt you and that just doesn't "go away." You don't think anyone, Jesus or anyone else, can fix it. The hurt that resides in your heart prevents you from seeing Jesus.
Some of you can't see Jesus because of the wall that sin has put up in your life. You'd like to see him, but you can't get over the wall. There are a lot of things that prevent people from seeing Jesus.
Jesus Chooses The Unlikely Ones
Zacchaeus would not be denied in seeing Jesus. He even climbed the sycamore tree to catch a glimpse. Jesus, though, would go a step further. He called Zacchaeus out of the tree and told him that he was going to his house; that he must go there. Zacchaeus gladly came down from the tree and welcomed Jesus. The crowd noticed and began to murmur. "He's gone to be the guest of a sinner." Zacchaeus was the least likely one for Jesus to call out. He was far from pious, but he was the one chosen.
Jesus selects "unlikely ones" today, too. You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to come from four generations of Christians. Jesus chooses you. Jesus chooses me.
A little boy came into the pet store day after day. The owner had a new set of puppies and the boy was eager to buy one. After finding out the cost of one, he pledged to work hard and get the money. Every day he came in to visit the dogs and to remind the owner that he was working. The day finally came when the boy had the money. He came into the store with a bright smile on his face. "I've got the money!" he exclaimed. The owner smiled. He, too, had looked forward to this day. "Which do you want, my friend?" he asked the boy. The boy didn't hesitate as he chose his dog. "I want him," he said. The owner furrowed his brow. "Are you sure," he asked, "that one has a bad leg and won't be able to run." The boy only nodded. "He's the one." The owner shrugged and gave the boy the dog he had chosen. The owner watched as boy and dog left the store. When the boy got to the door, he realized why he had chosen as he did. There on the boy's left leg, was an iron brace.
It may not make sense to the world, but Jesus chooses you. He died on the cross to pay for your sin. It doesn't matter what you've done or where you are right now, he wants to come to your house. He chooses you.
Meeting Jesus Can Change Things
For Zacchaeus, meeting Jesus changed everything in his life. He resolved to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay four times what he had cheated others. It was an amazing transformation. Amazing, but not surprising. Jesus noted that salvation had come to this house. Zacchaeus was not the same person.
You won't be, either. When you allow Jesus to come to you, he changes things. You are not the same. What used to make a difference, doesn't anymore. What used to be important pales into insignificance. You have a new life and a new outlook. This story has been seen in Zacchaeus and countless others. Misers become generous. The crude becomes holy. The broken becomes whole. That's what happens when Jesus comes to visit.
The building was in downtown Kansas City. For a long time, it was an establishment of questionable morals and activities. Let's be honest. It was a massage parlor. About four years ago, the owners of the building weren't able to keep it up and so it was sold. It was sold to (are you ready?) a church. They bought the building and began the process of changing it. Today it is a brand new place. Oh, it is the same building and address, but really, it is new. Why? Jesus is there.
That can be true in your life.
Jesus Came To Save The Lost
That is the most important verse of this entire book. "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." This was his purpose. This was why he came. He came to redeem the perishing. He has only a few more steps on this road to victory. He came to find the lost ones and bring them home.
Conclusion
At the end of the movie version of Peter Pan, "the Lost Boys" return home with Wendy and her brothers to find families. It is a wonderful time and a happy ending. The point? Everyone wants a home. That's what Jesus is preparing. That's why he's on the "road to victory." It isn't his victory he's attaining. It's yours.
Thought Questions
1. The first part of this lesson describes things that prevent you from seeing Jesus. In Zacchaeus' life he was short. His "challenge," though, wasn't just physical. What are the things in your life that prevent you from seeing Jesus?
2. Do you remember being chosen for something? How does it feel to be "wanted"? Do you remember a time when you "weren't chosen." How did that feel? Does Jesus' choosing you have any impact on how you look at things?
3. How would you say "meeting Jesus" has changed your life? Is he still working and changing things?
4. What does it mean to you that Jesus wants to be at home with you? How does it feel that the victory he is winning is yours?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man"
"I've Been Changed"
"Revive Us Again"
"Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus"
Lesson Aim: That each person might know that Jesus cares intimately and has the time and the desire to know him/her.
Prayer Focus: Pray that each one in your group might come to see Jesus and know his love and care.
Lesson
Church signs are helpful and noticed by a lot of folks. Sometimes, though, they can provide a moment of accidental humor. Take, for example, some of these. On a church sign in Florida it said, "The More You Complain, The Longer God Lets You Live." Here's another from Quebec, Canada, "Escape From God, Worship With Us." How about this one from Florida, "11-26-97 Services Canceled. In Everything Give Thanks." My favorite comes from Kentucky. A singing group called "The Resurrection" was scheduled to sing at the First Baptist Church in Barlow, Kentucky. A snowstorm forced them to have to cancel the engagement. The pastor put the following message on the church sign, "The Resurrection Is Postponed."
Sometimes we just don't quite get it, do we? In the text for today we find a man who, for a long time, missed it. One day, though, Jesus visits and his life is forever changed. It is a familiar story, but perhaps there is more to it than the kids' song. We'll look at the account of the "Wee Little Man": Zacchaeus.
Background Of The Text
For us, Luke's gospel paints the picture of Jesus as the Messiah, the chosen one of God. Over the last several weeks we have traveled with him on the "road to victory." He is the "one who is to come." Today we find Jesus only days away from his triumphal entry. He is still teaching and proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. In Jericho, however, he has a divine appointment. A short fellow who has been far from God is about to encounter him. Let's look in on the story.
The Visit Teaches Us ...
Things Can Prevent Us From Seeing Jesus
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and a very wealthy man. These are two important facts to notice about this man. Levi/Matthew was a tax collector, but Zacchaeus was one step higher. He was a "chief" collector and, as such, was able to skim even more money for himself. Zacchaeus made a good living collecting what Rome demanded and whatever else he could get to line his own pockets. He was, of course, despised by the populace. For a long time, though, Zacchaeus didn't care. He was content and happy and that's what mattered. One day he heard that Jesus was coming to town. He wanted to see just who this Jesus was. He had heard so much. There was a problem, though. Zacchaeus was too short to see him. It wasn't just his being "height challenged" that prevented him from seeing Jesus. Zacchaeus was also "values challenged." That kept him from the Lord as well.
There are some today in that same boat. What prevents you from seeing Jesus? For some, it is unresolved anger. You've been hurt and frustrated. You're angry. It may not show, but it is there. You're so mad inside that you don't worship. Some of you can't see Jesus because of the hurt you've experienced. Someone hurt you and that just doesn't "go away." You don't think anyone, Jesus or anyone else, can fix it. The hurt that resides in your heart prevents you from seeing Jesus.
Some of you can't see Jesus because of the wall that sin has put up in your life. You'd like to see him, but you can't get over the wall. There are a lot of things that prevent people from seeing Jesus.
Jesus Chooses The Unlikely Ones
Zacchaeus would not be denied in seeing Jesus. He even climbed the sycamore tree to catch a glimpse. Jesus, though, would go a step further. He called Zacchaeus out of the tree and told him that he was going to his house; that he must go there. Zacchaeus gladly came down from the tree and welcomed Jesus. The crowd noticed and began to murmur. "He's gone to be the guest of a sinner." Zacchaeus was the least likely one for Jesus to call out. He was far from pious, but he was the one chosen.
Jesus selects "unlikely ones" today, too. You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to come from four generations of Christians. Jesus chooses you. Jesus chooses me.
A little boy came into the pet store day after day. The owner had a new set of puppies and the boy was eager to buy one. After finding out the cost of one, he pledged to work hard and get the money. Every day he came in to visit the dogs and to remind the owner that he was working. The day finally came when the boy had the money. He came into the store with a bright smile on his face. "I've got the money!" he exclaimed. The owner smiled. He, too, had looked forward to this day. "Which do you want, my friend?" he asked the boy. The boy didn't hesitate as he chose his dog. "I want him," he said. The owner furrowed his brow. "Are you sure," he asked, "that one has a bad leg and won't be able to run." The boy only nodded. "He's the one." The owner shrugged and gave the boy the dog he had chosen. The owner watched as boy and dog left the store. When the boy got to the door, he realized why he had chosen as he did. There on the boy's left leg, was an iron brace.
It may not make sense to the world, but Jesus chooses you. He died on the cross to pay for your sin. It doesn't matter what you've done or where you are right now, he wants to come to your house. He chooses you.
Meeting Jesus Can Change Things
For Zacchaeus, meeting Jesus changed everything in his life. He resolved to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay four times what he had cheated others. It was an amazing transformation. Amazing, but not surprising. Jesus noted that salvation had come to this house. Zacchaeus was not the same person.
You won't be, either. When you allow Jesus to come to you, he changes things. You are not the same. What used to make a difference, doesn't anymore. What used to be important pales into insignificance. You have a new life and a new outlook. This story has been seen in Zacchaeus and countless others. Misers become generous. The crude becomes holy. The broken becomes whole. That's what happens when Jesus comes to visit.
The building was in downtown Kansas City. For a long time, it was an establishment of questionable morals and activities. Let's be honest. It was a massage parlor. About four years ago, the owners of the building weren't able to keep it up and so it was sold. It was sold to (are you ready?) a church. They bought the building and began the process of changing it. Today it is a brand new place. Oh, it is the same building and address, but really, it is new. Why? Jesus is there.
That can be true in your life.
Jesus Came To Save The Lost
That is the most important verse of this entire book. "The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." This was his purpose. This was why he came. He came to redeem the perishing. He has only a few more steps on this road to victory. He came to find the lost ones and bring them home.
Conclusion
At the end of the movie version of Peter Pan, "the Lost Boys" return home with Wendy and her brothers to find families. It is a wonderful time and a happy ending. The point? Everyone wants a home. That's what Jesus is preparing. That's why he's on the "road to victory." It isn't his victory he's attaining. It's yours.
Thought Questions
1. The first part of this lesson describes things that prevent you from seeing Jesus. In Zacchaeus' life he was short. His "challenge," though, wasn't just physical. What are the things in your life that prevent you from seeing Jesus?
2. Do you remember being chosen for something? How does it feel to be "wanted"? Do you remember a time when you "weren't chosen." How did that feel? Does Jesus' choosing you have any impact on how you look at things?
3. How would you say "meeting Jesus" has changed your life? Is he still working and changing things?
4. What does it mean to you that Jesus wants to be at home with you? How does it feel that the victory he is winning is yours?
Suggested Songs And Hymns
"Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man"
"I've Been Changed"
"Revive Us Again"
"Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus"
