Nov. 24, 2024

“Money’s Generous Side”

Luke 19:1–10

This weekend we wrap up our three-week series called Money Talks and Zacchaeus is our man. Zacchaeus shows us money’s generous side. Zacchaeus turns from, “Mine!” to looking at Jesus and saying, “Yours!” Zacchaeus changes from, “This money is all mine,” to, “Jesus, this money is all yours.”  Zacchaeus changes from ugly greed to such joyful generosity.  Zacchaeus takes an honest look at himself. What prompted that? These words of Jesus. Luke 16:13, Jesus doesn’t say, “You shouldn’t serve two masters.” Jesus doesn’t say, “Don’t serve two masters.” Jesus says, “You can’t serve two masters.” It’s impossible to serve both God and money. Zacchaeus took a long look at Jesus. “He wanted to see who Jesus was. The Alpha and the Omega. The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down at once. I must stay at your house today.’ The crowd is shocked. Zacchaeus takes a long look at Jesus and he knows unconditional love for the first time. Then Zacchaeus takes a direct look at people’s needs, and he knows he must do something!  Do you see them? All the people and all their needs! This is why our church exists! Connecting people to Jesus! 

Questions:

1.    What was Zacchaeus job?

2.    Why did he want to see Jesus?

3.    What changed when he came face to face with Jesus?