CALLING TO SALVATION

Transcription

1 Lesson 4 March 24, 2019 CALLING TO SALVATION Lesson Scripture: Luke 19: 1-10 Focus Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Key Verse: The Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost. Luke 19: 1 0 (NRSV) LUKE 19:1-10 (NRSV) 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 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 down and was happy towelcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, "He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner." 8 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." 9 Then Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 1 0 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost." LUKE 19:1-10 (KJV) 1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchreus, 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, Zacchreus, 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. 8 And Zacchreus 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. 19

2 Lesson 4 Key Terms Defraud - Illegally obtain money from someone through deception. Stature -A person's natural height. Salvation - Deliverance from sin and its consequences. INTRODUCTION Zacchaeus was a chief tax... collector. Because of his occupation, he had become very wealthy. Tax collectors were looked upon negatively in the community because of their tendency to extort people. This practice was not uncommon. Zacchaeus being a chief of the collectors may have even skimmed money from the other collectors. What is of interest in this story is that Zacchaeus knows of Jesus, and has considerable interest in witnessing this prophet as he passes through the town. However, because of the great crowds that followed Jesus, Zacchaeus would not be able to see Jesus. His small frame probably would have prevented him from pressing his way through the crowds. Therefore, his solution was to climb higher, up a sycamore tree, to get a better view. Jesus recognized the tax collector and called him down, announang that he would be his guest that evening. It would appear that Jesus intentionally wanted others to know that March 24, 2019 he had selected the notorious, corrupt, and deceitful sinner to dine with, despite his reputation. This allows Jesus to demonstrate his purpose, which was to reach the lost ones of Israel. Jesus' statement was not only a declaration of his mission, but he modeled it through his actions. Jesus knew of this man's tainted past, yet offered him the opportunity to repent and start a new life. Zacchaeus recognized that he must make amends and demonstrate his commitment to start anew. He proclaims his commitment to return what was stolen from his prior victims, along with a healthy addition of interest. The forgiveness and wholeness that is poured upon Zacchaeus is also afforded to his household as well. As Jesus illustrates, the seed may benefit from the repentance of the elders. This story is also a look at ethical and moral character and an examination of what is right by ap. pear that the community. That wanted others to know that he had selected the notorious, COrrupt, and deceitful sinner to dine with, despite his reputation. 20 is what Zacchaeus must examine. An encounter with Jesus forces one to look at their moral compass. You have a choice to either acknowledge the fallacies and contrasting logic that does not lineup with the morality of your given philosophy, or you can recognize that your behavior is acceptable based on the privilege you have established for yourself. Using this principle argument is ethically flawed and would therefore

3 Lesson 4 suggest that the morality of self does not exceed the priorities of self-preservation and advancements. Ergo, the rich can justify wealth through the backs of others simply by arguing their wealth justifies their importance. Thus, the argument that was given for many oppressive systems such as slavery, Jim Crow, gender inequality, unfair labor practices, aristocracies, and others. TELLING THE BIBLE STORY In the story of Zacchaeus, Luke provides a story that shows the power Jesus has to forgive. The tax collector represents the distasteful occupation of government corruption, carried out at the hands of one in authority. This man is wealthy and lives in luxury from the corrupt taxes imposed upon the people. While he enjoys his wealth, the poor suffer with lack of food and shelter. Zacchaeus represents the sins of greed, pride, and wicked coercion. His daily practices lead to the dismal lives that others must face each day. Yet in this passage, it appears that he has become remorseful of his actions. As Jesus appears on the scene, the sinner is caught in a place of conscience and regret, recognizing his actions have not only created the pain and suffering of others, but would ultimately lead to his own eternal demise. Zacchaeus is anxious to see the great prophet known as Jesus, who has established a reputation for his healing power and insightful teaching. Zacchaeus' new reflections of his life are apparent to the Son of God as Jesus approaches his location. He summons him down from the tree and announces that Zacchaeus would be the host for March 24, 2019 his evening dinner. Jesus is well aware of how this will be perceived. However, his intention is to bring attention to the saving power that is being offered to God's chosen children, Israel. SANKOFA African American businessman William Holland's royal ancestors were subjected to slavery in Virginia. However, Africans handed them over into slavery. Descendants of those tribes have now issued a formal apology to Holland for their ancestors' role in the 18th-century slave trade. The head chieftain for the Cameroonian town of Bakou, Ngako Ngalatchui, told NBC News when he signed the statement, "We are sorry and issue an official apology for our involvement and the involvement of our ancestors in the horrible institution of transatlantic slavery," the statement read. "The United States of America, France, and the United Kingdom should issue similar formal apologies for this evil institution that broke up families and caused generational hardships that continue to the present day." This is not the first time Africans have acknowledged the historical role their ancestors played in slavery. It has long been known that, in centuries past, warring tribes took captives and traded them to white slave merchants. That marked the first step in the long road to the plantations of the American South. Matthieu Kerekou, the president of the West African nation of Benin, created quite a stir when he apologized to African American clergy for his country's role in the slave trade. Ever since then, officials from Benin have been traveling to the 21

4 Lesson 4 March 24, 2019 United States to offer their regrets and seek reconciliation. "I knew one day I wanted to come to this land and ask forgiveness of my black brothers and sisters," one of Benin's one local resident had a different idea. He suggested the tax rate be reduced by five percent, and that the difference between rrhere is no better example in Which the provincial kings told rich have exploited the a group in Alabama. G:ou~s in Ghan~ and resources Of the people Ntgena have tssued ' o: ~t least ~iscussed as is in the continent of stmtlar apologtes. CASE STUDY Africa. There is no better example in which the rich have exploited the resources of the people, as is in the continent of Africa. This continent holds resources that can supply a wealth of products needed for technology and industry, yet the capitalistic systems of the western world have stripped them of their gifts and left the people impoverished. A source of this issue is the sale of the minds, instigated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which led to disastrous consequences for countries across the African continent. Zambia's agreements with the Swiss company Glencore led to Glencore making billions from copper mining while the country remains one of the poorest in the world. People struggle to survive on $2.00 per day and 80% are unemployed. According to the Dutch documentary, Stealing Africa when Glencore went public, the windfall tax earned by the Swiss village of Ruschlikon was so large that the mayor proposed a lowering of the tax rate by seven percent. Nevertheless, 22 the two rates of tax reduction should go to the African communities affected by Glencore's operations. A public meeting was called, but the village's residents voted against handing anything back to Africa. They wanted to keep all the money for themselves, resulting in a small percentage of people benefiting. The lack of trust can be attributed to divisive approaches established by western nationalists during earlier colonization. And despite the thinking that Africa receives extensive financial aid from the Western world, the funding is minimal in comparison to the billions of dollars drawn from Africa's resources. Whether Africa or America, the people are frequently exploited by the governing powers, whether local, national, or international. LIFE APPLICATION As this story indicates, regardless of our past, Jesus is always waiting to reconcile us back to the Father. In the case of Zacchaeus, he is aware of his past sins and takes ful l advantage of Jesus' presence, despite his sinful past. When faced with the Savior, Zacchaeus is now ready to restore his relationship not only with God but also with the people in the community. His commitment to

5 Lesson 4 March 24, 2019 repay those who have been cheated be received is the mercy from our past and multiply the refund four times over and the unmerited grace of salvation that is to acknowledge we receive in the future. that his actions were exceedingly egregious. If 'II' t Jesus shows each of us we are WI lng O ac- that he wants to meet Yet, Jesus did not ask cept the sacrifices, we us where we are, the Zacchaeus, he just places where we dwell, offered. too can receive the rec- to impart a change in our In our daily lives, we lives. If we are willing to have an opportunity to onciliation to God and accept the sacrifices, be ethical and honest we too can receive the in our activities. As personal Salvation and reconciliation to God Christians we must. and personal salvation model character that redemption that reaches and redemption that glorifies God and th.t reaches the community. demonstratesequitable e communi y. and fair practices. We must be aware of temptations that urge participation in practices that promote personal profit at the expense of others. Jesus knew Zacchaeus' profession and his past, just as God knows each of his children, our past, present, and future (Psalm 139). We must attempt to reverse any past mistakes. This shows the respect for the community, and obedience to the two greatest commandments to love God and to love our neighbors. Zacchaeus' response was a sign of repentance and a change in moral character. It is one thing to apologize for past mistakes, but attempts to restore the damages of the past indicate a willingness to accept responsibility and endure sacrifice. Jesus looks at his disciples as ones who will be able to show the world that the sacrifices made to be more like Jesus are well worth the price paid. As Paul says in Romans Chapter 8, "The sufferings of this present time do not compare with the glory that will be revealed in us." The glory that will 23 Questions Briefly (3-5 minutes) watch a portion of the video, "Stealing Africa- Why Poverty?" Discuss our natural responses and the spiritual response to the injustice we see. As disciples of Christ, we are called to salvation and repentance of past habits and sinful practices. Have you ever been offered opportunities to receive financial or material gains that were not being equitably distributed to other deserving individuals or groups? (Example: Living in better accommodations, payment for services not received}. Others despised tax collectors because of their fraudulent practices. Yet Jesus was willing to dine at Zacchaeus' home and forgive him and his household. As disciples, we are also expected to forgive others for their wrongdoing. If we are a victim of wrongdoing such as theft, unequal pay,

6 Lesson 4 discrimination, unfair hardships, or penalties by a family member, friend, employer, or member of the community, discuss the situation and how we are expected to respond as Christian disciples. CLOSING DEVOTIONS Closing Hymn: "My Hope Is Built" - AMEC Hymnal #364 Closing Prayer: Today is the best day of your life. It is the only day you have to live. Yesterday is history; tomorrow may never be history. Live this day to the fullest - encountering God, enjoying God. Blessing God by blessing and being March 24, 2019 blessed by God's people. And may the grace of God: loving us before we knew we were loved; The grace of God; sustaining us in the chaos and calamity surrounding us; The grace of God; already present in the days yet to come: The grace of God whose favor knows no end: Uphold you, uplift you, and embellish you in ways that bring the world joy. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. Joseph W. Daniels, Jr. The Secret Chamber - April - June 2018 HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS March 18-March 24 Monday Tuesday Exodus 22: 1-3; Numbers 5:5-7 (Laws of Confession and Restitution) Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (Israel's Salvation and Commitment to God) Wednesday Luke 4:38-43 (I Must Proclaim the Good News!) Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Luke 18:15-17 (Let the Children Come to Me) Luke 18:18-30 (Entering the Kingdom of God) Luke 18:35-43 (Blind Man Receives Sight and Salvation) Luke 19:1-10 (Receiving Salvation, Correcting Injustice) 24