Podcasts about Zacchaeus

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43) Two criminals hung beside Jesus that day on calvary. Both were guilty, both were dying, and both had a front-row seat to the suffering and strength of the Son of God. One mocked Him, joining the crowd in scorn. But the other – broken, repentant, and fully aware of his guilt – responded with humility and faith. This second criminal didn’t defend himself. He didn’t ask to be spared from death. He didn't attempt to bargain with God. He simply acknowledged and confessed the truth: “We are receiving the due reward for our deeds.” And then, turning to Jesus, he made a request that humbly echo through this crucifixion account forever: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Remember Me That word remember carries deep meaning. It's more than just recalling a name or face. In Scripture, to “remember” implies acting with intentionality. When God says in Isaiah that He will remember our sins no more, it means He chooses not to act on them (Isaiah 43:25). And here, the criminal wasn't just asking Jesus to think of him – he was asking for mercy. For a place in Jesus' coming kingdom. For grace. For redemption. And Jesus, bleeding and dying, answered with the most astonishing assurance: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Here's the thing - this criminal would still die that day. His body would suffer the consequence of his sin according to human justice. But his soul was redeemed in an instant. No religious rituals, no time for good works; just a heart of faith and a cry for mercy. And Jesus paid it all. The Poor in Spirit As Jesus said in His sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). This dying criminal was the very picture of spiritual poverty. He had nothing to offer, no way to make up for his crimes – and he knew it. And yet, to him the kingdom of heaven was given. Commentator D.A. Carson puts it this way: “The kingdom of heaven is not given on the basis of race, earned merits, the military zeal and prowess of Zealots, or the wealth of a Zacchaeus. It is given to the poor, the despised publicans, the prostitutes, those who are so ‘poor' they know they can offer nothing and do not try. They cry for mercy and they alone are heard.” And Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The poor in spirit are lifted from the dunghill, and set, not among hired servants in the field, but among princes in the kingdom.” This moment on the cross shatters every performance-based idea of salvation. You don't have to clean yourself up to come to Jesus. You just have to come - in humility, in faith, asking to be remembered. And He will answer with the full assurance of paradise. Rest for Your Soul This truth goes beyond our ultimate salvation - You don't have to clean yourself up to come to Jesus - you just have to come. How often do we claim our salvation and identity in Christ to not come to Jesus when we're weak and weary. Yet of His disciples, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) When was the last time you found rest for your soul, my friend? We don't need to have it all together – just because we're in Christ doesn't mean we will have it all together. It only causes strife if we deceive ourselves and others into thinking we do. It's ok to be broken – but don't stay there and wallow in it. Humbly come to Jesus seeking His mercy and grace in faith, and simply receive it and find rest for your soul.

Children are contrasted to a blind beggar while an unnamed rich ruler is contrasted to a rich tax collector. The problem: This man named Zacchaeus, meaning “righteous”, does not measure up to righteousness. Luke affirms this by telling us that the man is short in stature. This is not just height, but even morality or significance.As Jesus approaches Jericho on the way to Jerusalem, he has two significant encounters. Two men encounter Christ. First, there is a blind beggar who cannot see, but perceives that Jesus is not from Nazareth, but he is the Son of David. He is blind, but correctly perceives that Jesus is the promised redeemer king who was covenanted to David in 2 Samuel 7.The other figure is a wealthy tax collector. This man parallels the poor man in the sense that the crowd is a barrier; they tell the tax collector to be silent, but the blind man and the rich tax collector correctly perceive Christ. They perceive that Christ is the messiah, the giver of true life, and the great equalizer. It is not about what one owns, but it is about being identified as a Son of Abraham. That is, one who is in Christ by faith in the power of the Spirit.The stage of this encounter cannot be ignored. The city is identified as Jericho. This is the first city that the Lord put before Israel on their campaign to seize the land in full holy war. They marched around the walls, they entered the city, and carried out the picture of final judgment. They destroyed everything except the one unclean prostitute who followed God over man.When Christ enters this city, we see a different campaign. Jesus is the new Joshua. In fact, Jesus is the Greek or New Testament name for the Hebrew name Joshua. It means Yahweh saves. Israel, the pedagogue, teaches us about final judgment, but also that man will not subdue this creation. The mission is a failed mission that ends in multiple exiles and God's people being pragmatic sellouts rather than victorious warriors. This is the fate of fallen man.There is only one way for the Lord to secure his glorified kingdom. It is in the Son of Man/Son of David who must go to the cross. It is in his people emptying themselves as the true sons of Abraham. The true children of the promise who sojourn by faith, in the power of the Spirit, seeing their identity in the true heavenly vision of peace. The earthly Jerusalem is destroyed, and now we sojourn through this age as suffering pilgrims. Our lives are grounded in Christ, we seek to live a peaceful and quiet life honoring him, and we wait for his return. This is why Christ comes as the suffering son of man and returns as the glorified Son of David.Our call is to journey through this age in the power of the Holy Spirit, who grants us heaven's power, orients us in the true vision of peace (Jerusalem), and grounds us in our savior. Let us empty ourselves of significance in his age and find our significance in our savior. It is truly a joy that he can commune with a sinful people. He does not get contaminated, unlike the priests of old, but he sanctifies his citizens.

Pastor Scott's sermon reflects on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, emphasizing that no one is inherently worthy of Jesus, but salvation is available to all who confess their sins and truly come to know Jesus personally. He contrasts simply hearing about Jesus with genuinely knowing Him and urges us to move from merely being aware of Jesus to having a personal relationship with Him.

This week, Sammy Castro looks at the story of Zacchaeus to explore how he was transformed through his interaction with Jesus and how we can embody the heart of God through our interactions with others.

Today's devotion, Have You Been With Jesus?, challenges us to reflect on whether our lives show evidence of true encounters with Christ. Just like Peter, John, the Samaritan woman, and Zacchaeus, time spent with Jesus transforms us. Does your life prove you have been with Him? Listen and be encouraged.

In this sermon, we launch a new series called Cultivating Meaningful Relationships. What does it take to build healthy, authentic, and compassionate connections with others? Drawing from the story of Zacchaeus, Brené Brown's work, and the example of Jesus, we explore how vulnerability, compassion, boundaries, and generous assumptions can transform the way we relate to one another. Join us as we begin the journey of becoming more intentional in how we show up in our relationships. Storied Church is a community rooted in hope, justice, and love. If this message speaks to you, share it with someone who needs encouragement today. Find out more about Storied Church @ STORIEDCHURCH.org TO GIVE storiedchurch.org/give JOIN SC DISCORD: https://discord.gg/XuVCyZZ3 JOIN OUR LISTSERVE: storiedchurch.org/connect instagram.com/storiedchurch facebook.com/storiedchurch YouTube: @storiedchurch921

Welcome to the Christian Bible Study Ministry Podcast, where we explore the profound concept of value through the lens of faith. In this episode, we delve into the biblical teachings that emphasize our intrinsic worth in the eyes of God, regardless of our past actions or current circumstances. Through insightful discussions and scriptural references, including John 3:14-16, we are reminded of the everlasting love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which bestows eternal value upon each one of us. We reflect on historical figures like King David, Zacchaeus, Peter, and Ishmael, examining their stories to unveil the divine value and purpose instilled in every individual. Whether facing personal struggles, self-doubt, or societal judgments, listeners are encouraged to embrace the objective truth of God's love and mercy. Amidst the tragedies affecting communities today, prayers and hope are extended to those in distress, highlighting the need for compassion and support. Join us in understanding the unmitigated facts of God's love and how they assure us of our undeniable worth in His eyes.

Joe Kingston continues in the series on what it means to be "In Christ" with the account in Luke 19 of Zacchaeus' response to meeting Jesus. 

Send us a textIn this final episode of our three-part series The Real Thing, we talk about something we often resist—God's holy disruptions. Using the story of Zacchaeus, we explore how Jesus didn't just stop by for a visit, but invited him into something lasting. The word used is meno—to abide—and it changes everything. This wasn't about tweaking a few behaviors; it was an invitation to step out of hiding and into real relationship.This was a difficult conversation to have. We share honestly about the struggle of letting go of control and embracing God's interruptions, including a tender story about a dog named Sevy. From the bleeding woman to Saul's blinding light, we reflect on how Jesus often disrupts before He restores. With breath prayers and practical tools, we invite you to consider where He might be gently disrupting your own “almost” life. If you're craving support in that process, join our private online community at revelationwithin.org.Support the showLearn more about our Revelation Within Community: https://www.revelationwithin.org

Tuesday July 8, 2025IV Week After Pentecost

Rusty George // Jesus doesn't wait for people to get it all together—he meets them where they are, just like he did with Zacchaeus, inviting the lost to the table not with condemnation, but with compassion that led to a radical transformation. When Zacchaeus encountered the love of Jesus, his heart and life changed—and when we love like Jesus, we create space for that same kind of transformation in others.Visit Our Website summitchurchfl.org Follow Us on Social Media Facebook // InstagramWatch Online Services and More YouTube Subscribe for weekly sermon podcasts!

Monday, 7 July 2025   The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children.” Matthew 11:19   “He came, the Son of Man, eating and drinking, and they say, ‘You behold! A man, a glutton, and a winebibber! A friend of taxmen and sinners!' And it is justified, the wisdom, from her children” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus noted that John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said he had a demon. He continues with, “He came, the Son of Man, eating and drinking.”   Jesus is referring to Himself in the third person, contrasting His life to that of John. As noted in the previous commentary, “eating and drinking” signifies more than just the act of eating and drinking, but doing so in a social setting. Whereas John would refrain from such things, Jesus welcomed them. For example –   “Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, ‘He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.'” Luke 19:1-7   Understanding this, Jesus continues, saying, “and they say, ‘You behold! A man, a glutton, and a winebibber! A friend of taxmen and sinners!'”   Two new words are introduced here. The first is phagos, a glutton. The second is oinopotés, a winebibber. It is derived from oinos, wine, and pinó, to drink. Both words will only be seen again in the comparable passage in Luke 7.   As in the account of Zacchaeus, Jesus went into the houses of those whom the Pharisees and Sadducees would never enter. He ate and drank what was put before Him without any objections.   Seeing this, the judgmental sort called him a glutton and a winebibber. This shows the utter folly of their thinking. John, who refrained from any such thing, was said to have a demon. Jesus, who openly associated with those shunned by the elites, is accused of inappropriate behavior.   Neither had committed any infraction of the law, and yet, they were arrogantly dismissed as being something they were not. As such, those saying such things had made themselves the standard of what is acceptable and what is not, ignoring the fact that it is the Lord, through the law, who set the standards of what was acceptable in the society.   As for the words, “they say,” it is the same thought from the previous verse –   ... and they say he has a demon! ... and they say, “You behold! A man, a glutton, and a winebibber!”   The words reveal who “this generation” in verse 16 is. It is not referring to John and Jesus, but to the Jews who stood accusing them –   Vs. 17 ...they say, “We piped to you and not you danced. We bewailed to you and not you breast-beat.” Vs. 18 ...and they say he has a demon! Vs. 19 ...and they say, “You behold! A man, a glutton, and a winebibber!”   Jesus is making a one-to-one comparison of those in His example and the Jews who stood around, finger-pointing at the lifestyles of John and Jesus. Because of this, Jesus concludes the thought with, “And it is justified, the wisdom, from her children.”   Another new word is seen here, dikaioó, to render just or innocent. It is that which is upright because of meeting a proper standard. Jesus is saying the wisdom, that which is divinely set forth by God, and which seems so arbitrary in how it is displayed, meaning in the conflicting, changeable conduct between John and Jesus, is proven upright from their actions.   Both Jesus and John were within their rights to live their lives as they desired while adhering to the Law of Moses as the guide for Israeli society. Despite one living in a certain way while the other lived in a completely different manner, they performed their roles before God in a way that He accepted and that brought Him glory.   Life application: Jesus' words show that God can and does work through different means and allowances to meet the set goals of the plan of redemption. John was used while living the life of an ascetic. Jesus lived His life associating with the outcasts, dining with them, etc. The two seemingly contrary lifestyles merged to form a part of God's unfolding redemptive narrative.   This is like the doctrine of dispensationalism. People have a problem with it because it seems fickle. In the dispensational model, God works one way with one group of people and another way with another group. As such, it seems arbitrary, and it appears that His plans are conflicting and changeable.   Such is not the case. The wisdom of God expresses itself through these various methods to form a whole. Bread doesn't just pop into existence. It first grows as wheat. The wheat is harvested and processed. It is then ground in a mill. After that, it will be mixed into dough. From there, the dough is placed in an oven. Once the bread is finished, butter is slathered all over it, and the family enjoys it as a part of dinner.   Each step of the process is different, and yet, a final anticipated result is realized. This is akin to how God's dispensational plan works from beginning to end. It is a step-by-step process, each dispensation unique and different from the others, culminating in eternal fellowship between God and His creatures. Peace and harmony are restored and realized.   Lord God, Your wisdom is on display in everything around us. The movement of the stars, pollination by the bees, males and females forming a couple... each of these and an infinite number more things reveal Your wisdom. It is also seen in Your word, which explains to us how we can be reconciled to You through Jesus. Thank You for such wonderful wisdom, leading to hope and restoration. Amen.

Rusty George // Jesus doesn't wait for people to get it all together—he meets them where they are, just like he did with Zacchaeus, inviting the lost to the table not with condemnation, but with compassion that led to a radical transformation. When Zacchaeus encountered the love of Jesus, his heart and life changed—and when we love like Jesus, we create space for that same kind of transformation in others.Visit Our Website summitchurchfl.org Follow Us on Social Media Facebook // InstagramWatch Online Services and More YouTube Subscribe for weekly sermon podcasts!

What would it take for you to change your life right side up? All it took Zacchaeus was Jesus inviting himself for dinner, creating space for Zacchaeus to see the mess he was living with. This story in Luke 19 reminds us that when you let him, Jesus will transform your life. What would happen if everyone made space for the Light of the World to sit at the dinner table? What might you need to let go so thar your life can be pointed in the direction of Jesus?MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49459328RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://canyonridge.org/blogs/

The profound truth found in Jonah 3:1—"the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time"—serves as the foundation for a transformative message about God's relentless grace. When Jonah ran from God's call, was thrown overboard, and spent three days in a fish's belly, most would assume his opportunity was lost forever. Yet God's word returned, demonstrating a powerful reality: our God doesn't just call us; He calls us back.This message explores the beautiful paradox of divine second chances through biblical examples from Genesis to Revelation. Adam and Eve, Moses, David, Rahab, Zacchaeus, Peter, Thomas—all ordinary people who failed spectacularly yet experienced God's extraordinary restoration. Their stories mirror our own journeys of failure and redemption, reminding us that God's grace continues long after our initial salvation.The Ninevites' response reveals another crucial spiritual distinction—they didn't merely believe in God's existence; they believed God Himself. Their king stepped down from his throne, modeling the surrender required when we remove ourselves from the control center of our lives. True repentance isn't simply feeling remorse; it's a deliberate two-step process of turning from sin and turning toward God. When they repented, God immediately relented, showing compassion without demanding proof or perfection.What is God trying to show you again? Perhaps it's a sin He's saving you from or an opportunity He's calling you to. Whatever it is, remember that His word comes back repeatedly. His grace isn't conditional on your performance but flows from His unchanging character. No matter how far you've run or how badly you've failed, God's love never runs out.Ready to experience the freedom of second chances? Remember: don't doubt in the dark what God spoke to you in the light. His grace is greater than your greatest sin, and He actively longs to show you compassion. The question isn't whether God will give you another chance—it's whether you'll embrace it when His word comes to you again.Support the showMade a decision to follow Jesus? We want to know about it! Fill out our connect card here: https://local.churchcenter.com/people/forms/115766Thank you for your generosity. For information on how to give, visit https://localvineyard.church/give.

Today we continue our worship series, “Road Trip: On the Go with God.” Each year, we spend a few weeks before Vacation Bible School taking a look at the stories our kids will delve into at VBS. Tomorrow, our kids will be going on a figurative road trip, and discover that God's presence is everywhere. The theme verse for the whole week is Joshua 1:9— “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” And each day, they'll explore stories from the Old and New Testament that show this truth. They'll learn that God is with us on our journeys—when we're joyful or lonely and when we go off course; God is with us near and far. Yes, this theme is for kids, but the truths they'll be learning are for everyone. We each need the reminder that no matter where we go or what we experience on our journeys, God is with us. Today we turn our attention to the story of Zacchaeus

Jubilee and joy are featured frequently in Luke's gospel. People are constantly rejoicing. Why? Because they encountered Jesus and salvation. Trace the themes of jubilee and joy in the gospel of Luke with us. Together we'll study Jesus' parables and the famous story of Zacchaeus to recognize the importance of these themes, how they connect to and continue the tradition of the Old Testament's Year of Jubilee, and what this means for how we faithfully respond to our own encounters with Jesus and salvation today. 

“Jesus sees those who are seeking—even in the crowd.” In this message, Pastor David Grobler unpacks the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy man with status and success—yet still searching for something more. Zacchaeus had two problems: he was too short, and the crowd was too thick. Many of us face the same issue—we can't see Jesus because we haven't changed our perspective. But when Zacchaeus climbed higher, Jesus saw him. And everything changed.

On Sunday we jumped back into our series on the book of Luke. In the beginning of chapter 19 we read a story about the salvation of a man named Zacchaeus. In this story, Jesus highlights that Zacchaeus' salvation has to do with being restored to the covenant family of Abraham. We all received this same invitation, to trust Christ like Abraham trusted Yahweh, and be grafted into the blessed family of God. Zacchaeus let Jesus come into his home that day, and shared a meal with Him that would change his life forever! If faith in Jesus leads to consecration, let us be set apart again for His glory and His purposes.   Link to Sermon Guide & Activations: 06.29.25 Sermon Guide

Pastor Michael Kisaka explores how Jesus calls genuine seekers into deeper trust by inviting them to surrender everything, contrasting the rich young ruler's hesitation with Zacchaeus' wholehearted response.

Pastor Darren is back after taking vacation and is taking us to the familiar story or Jesus and Zacchaeus. Even though this is a familiar flannel graph story from Sunday school, there is some deep meaning that Pastor Darren draws out and shows us how Zacchaeus was a changed man after his encounter with Christ that caused him to live a life Made for Impact!Thank you for listening to our podcast! We hope you have been encouraged today.Check us out on social media, or to learn more, you can visit our website at www.freedomcanyon.com.

Zacchaeus did not have very many friends. Mostly because he wasn't very friendly. But one day he met Jesus and all of that changed! Join Arlo, Kelby, and Tilly as they learn all about Zacchaeus.

Luke 19:1-10 The grace that Jesus showed to Zacchaeus causes that tax collector to demonstrate the joy of his salvation. The Foundation Preacher Podcast is provided to you by WELS Congregational Services. The Foundation resources were created to help churches allow the gospel message heard in worship, to echo throughout the week. Listen to multiple […]

Notes for this message: https://tinyurl.com/FromGreedToGraceZacchaeus Small Group Talk it Over: https://tinyurl.com/FromGreedToGraceTIO Zacchaeus was a short man with a bad reputation who had an irresistible desire to see Jesus as He passed through Jericho. Pastor Ian explains that although Zacchaeus went to great lengths to see Jesus, their encounter played out according to the Lord's purposes. Just as a radical transformation took place in the life Zacchaeus, our lives cannot be the same once salvation comes. #Zacchaeus, #Grace, #Repentance, #JesusSaves, #Restoration, #Luke19, #GospelTransformation, #NewLifeInChrist, #SalvationStory, #DivineEncounter, #TestimonyOfGrace, #ChangedByJesus, #NewHope, #PastorIanBuckley, #GreatCommission

A man named Zacchaeus- When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming through Jericho, he climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Him in the crowd. Little did he know, not only would Jesus spot him in the tree, but Jesus then invited himself over to visit with Zacchaeus in his home.

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10 (NIV)“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.' But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'” Ephesians 4:22-25 (NIV)You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:28-5:1,2 (NIV)“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others upaccording to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Let us imitate Christ and have the mind of Christ.Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)“Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children.” Philippians 2:1-11 (NIV)“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”    Keys to a Transformed Life          Deny Self         Matthew 16:24 (NIV)         “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves          and take up their cross and follow me.'”          Walk in the Light         Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)         “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.” Cast Off Hindrances Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Fix Our Eyes on ChristHebrews 12:2-3 (NIV)“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” 

Are you settling for partial healing, partial breakthrough, or partial transformation? In this powerful sermon, we explore two remarkable encounters with Jesus—the healing of the blind man in Mark 8:22–26, and the life-changing meeting between Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10.Both stories reveal a critical truth: God doesn't want to leave you halfway. What begins with a touch must be completed with obedience, surrender, and persistence.

"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus..." - Luke 19:1-10 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle.

June 22, 2025 | Adam Heath

Study 23- Luke 18:31–19:27 Seeing and trusting There are 4 sections in this study all of which have something to do with seeing and not seeing, understanding and not understanding or just plain hidden. The first section, Luke 18: 31–34 serves as a summary of what is to follow. Do read Luke 18:31-34. The disciples had a reasonable excuse for not understanding. What Jesus was saying was so strange and unexpected they could be forgiven for not understanding. But we, in all probability, have some knowledge of how things turned out so we do not have that excuse. v 34 provides a challenge to us, the readers or hearers: will we be blind or deaf, will we see or hear and understand? Blindness and sight are metaphors for no faith and faith. Have you moved from blindness to sight? Remind yourself what the effect of your blindness was and how you first knew that you were seeing or, if you are in a group, share together your journey from blindness to sight, darkness to light. Question 1: What is the significance of the rising sequence of names given to Jesus by the blind man (named as Bartimaeus, literally ‘son of filth’, in Mk 10: 46). Those names are Jesus of Nazareth; Jesus, son of David; Lord. Jesus of Nazareth probably meant to him the prophet with power to heal and who would have compassion on him; Jesus, son of David, meant Jesus was the Messiah; Lord that Jesus was worth following. The question and answer in 18: 41 may appear strange but begging was a profession in those days as it still is in some countries, dependant on a visible handicap and providing a good income. If the man was cured of his blindness he would have to find a job with no skills or experience to call on. Question 2: The emphasis is not on Bartimaeus’ restored sight but his faith (18: 42, 43). What exactly did his faith consist of? What is this miracle saying to us? The important phrase is ‘he followed Jesus’. He must have known something about Jesus or he would not have made so much noise trying to attract his attention. We, too, are not expected to start from detailed knowledge about what following Jesus means. We, too, are expected to get up (metaphorically speaking) and follow him. Do read Luke 19: 1–10. Zacchaeus was not only short of stature; he was a collaborator with the hated Romans. He would not dare to push his way to the front of the crowd for fear of a knife in his back. So he ran ahead! Not what an important man should do. But the crowd saw him go and mocked him so that Jesus learned his name. Jesus was intending to go straight through Jericho so that he would not have to spend time (possibly days?) being entertained with full ceremony. But he is prepared to go to Zacchaeus’ house. Question 3: Note the significance of seeing in this account. Who does the seeing? Everybody. Zacchaeus had to take action to see Jesus, Jesus sees him; the crowd sees what is going on and starts to mutter. The servant figure of Is 53 takes hostility meant for others on himself. Statements there like: “he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” reflect the costly love that Jesus gives to Zacchaeus? Question 4: We read earlier in this chapter that the rich man/camel had to go through the eye of the needle! What happened to prove that Zaccheus didn’t dodge round? The promises of repayment Zacchaeus made are far reaching. If you do the Maths on what he said you will see that if he had cheated just on one eighth of his debtors he would end up with nothing. Perhaps he is saying that he has been a good man and that he has not been cheating in the past? Do read Luke 19: 11–27. Luke does not use the parable of the minas to teach successful stewardship as Matthew uses it in Matt 25: 14–30 but to explain the apparent non-appearance of the Kingdom (the people thought the kingdom of God was going to appear at once 19: 11). The parable uses a well-known and well-understood situation. 73 years earlier Herod the Great, second son of the just assassinated king, made a successful journey to Rome to petition Caesar to appoint him the next king of Judea. Later, about 37 years before Luke wrote, Herod’s son Archelaus had made a similar, but unsuccessful, journey seeking the same thing. (A ‘mina’ was about 100 days wages for a working man.) Queston 5: What would be the likely outcome for a servant of the would-be king if (a) the petitioner who would be king was successful, (b) he was unsuccessful? By their actions the servants would demonstrate their allegiance or otherwise to the man seeking to be king. Their future livelihoods, or possibly their lives, would be dependant on having chosen the right option. The last phrase of v 15 should perhaps read ‘how much trading have you done’ effectively asking how conspicuous have you been while I was away when it was known that you supported me. If I win, you win. If I lose, you lose. Question 6: How was this relevant to the developing situation as Jesus travelled to Jerusalem? How is it relevant to us? If he was indeed the Messiah he claimed to be and they showed their loyalty by open declaration of their support of him they would gain. If he wasn’t, they would be in a very dangerous situation. At least that was the way it looked. Things did not quite work out in that straightforward way. He was indeed the Messiah but they were still in a dangerous situation, humanly speaking. But in the vast story of human history they became very important. The comment of the third servant in 19: 21 must have been meant as a complement! He must have been suggesting that his master was something like a warlord in a country with much internal fighting going on! Question 7: How can this and the master’s reply (v 21, 22) be related to Jesus, or to God? Ps 18: 25, 26 relates to this sort of situation. It says of God ‘To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.’ It suggest that, at least in part, our understanding of God will depend on our general attitudes. Question 8: The final comment in 19: 27 ‘But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them — bring them here and kill them in front of me. is realistic in the Judaean kingship, or warlord, scenario. How can it possibly be related to Jesus, or God? This is another unfinished story. We are told what the enemies deserved, not what actually happened to them. Compare what we deserve and what we actually get from the Lord. After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. So says 19: 28, finally bringing to an end the long account of the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem and introducing the last phase of Luke’s account of Jesus’ life, death and victory. Tap or click here to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

This week, we were reminded that life is not about accumulating wealth on earth, but about investing in what lasts forever. Through the story of Zacchaeus and other biblical examples, we see how generosity, surrender, and eternal perspective reflect true transformation by grace. God owns everything, and we are simply stewards of His resources, called to use them for His kingdom. Rather than living for the temporary things of this life, we are challenged to live for eternity—laying up treasure in heaven where it truly counts.

Luke 19:1-27New King James Version:Jesus Comes to Zacchaeus' House19 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up [a]and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, [b]make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he [c]made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all [d]complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”The Parable of the Minas11 Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten [e]minas, and said to them, ‘Do business till I come.' 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.'15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned ten minas.' 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.' 19 Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.'20 “Then another came, saying, ‘Master, here is your mina, which I have kept put away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are [f]an austere man. You collect what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.' 22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, collecting what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'24 “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to him who has ten minas.' 25 (But they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten minas.') 26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27 But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.' ”

In Part 2 of our “The prosperity gospel, the poverty gospel, and the truth most Christians miss” series, we dive into some of Jesus' most controversial teachings on wealth. You've heard “sell everything,” “camel through the eye of a needle,” and “blessed are the poor,” but what if we've been misunderstanding who He was talking to and why?  In this episode, we unpack: Why Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything—and why He didn't tell Zacchaeus the same thing. The real reason wealth can be dangerous (it's not what you think). Why Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, and a group of wealthy women were never asked to give everything away. The parable that proves Jesus wasn't against being wealthy—but was deeply concerned about our heart posture. Why abundance is meant to be shared—and how shopping, gardening, or even buying sunglasses can become worship. A fresh, biblical perspective that helps you steward what God has given you without shame, guilt, or greed. Resources Mentioned:

Find The Gold In PeopleRomans 2:1-4 “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.  So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?  Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”We spent a lot of time in class discussing this topic of judging others and calling out other people's sins last night, and it was such a great conversation.  I wanted to share the idea with all of you as well.  We all know we shouldn't judge others.  Did you know the extent to which you judge others is the extent to which God will judge you?  For me, finding that our, taking a minute to let that sink in, was a game changer for me.  If I expect perfection from others and don't cut anyone any slack, will God do the same?  I don't know if that is precisely how it works, but that was enough for me to double down on my efforts not to judge.  I know I am not perfect.  I know I have many flaws.  I know I need God to be very gracious with me, which means I must be gracious with others.  To me, that seems like a small trade-off.  If I am gracious with others here on earth, how does that hurt me?  It may be inconvenient.  I may have to be nice to those I don't like, and I may have to put up with annoyances.  I may have to watch them make bad choices and not judge them for it.  However, if you compare that to the alternative, it doesn't compare.  If you compare those inconveniences to what might happen if God judged me the way I was judging others, I would suffer a lot more than inconveniences after I leave Earth.  I want to spend eternity with my heavenly father.  Our time in this world is limited when we compare it to eternity.  Romans 8:18 says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  Is it hard not to judge others? Yes.  It is worth it in the end, absolutely.  When I talk about judging others, most of you are probably thinking about how we judge strangers.  How we judge those we see on the streets, or in the grocery stores, maybe even those at work.  Those we judge when there is really no reason to judge.  We might judge someone's outfit or their decisions, but they don't affect us.  Our judgment does not really affect them.  However, what about when we view our judgment as necessary?  For instance, we all want our children, siblings, or family members to be successful.  We want them to have a good life.  When we worry they are headed down the wrong path, we feel it is our job to correct their course.  We are only trying to help them be more responsible, be healthier, be whatever it is we think they should be.  Sometimes, if our children, our loved ones, or our friends are doing something that we know is a sin, we feel as though it is our duty to tell them.  We feel we are helping them to their salvation if we call out their sin.  We are only trying to help.  I get it, and yet, are we really helping?In class, we took a look at how Jesus dealt with sin in the Bible.  Sometimes, he did call it out, but only if needed and only with love.  For instance, the woman at the well, He let her know that she was living with a man who was not her husband, but he never once made her feel ashamed for it.  He was letting her know that He saw her, He knew her, all of her, and yet still loved her.  The woman caught in adultery, he didn't scold her, he didn't tell her she needed to get her life together, he didn't lecture her on why what she was doing was wrong.  He showed her kindness, He saved her life, and he told her to sin no more.  What about Luke 19:1-10?  Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector who wanted to see Jesus.  Jesus called out to Zacchaeus and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”  The scripture says others around were muttering that the Lord would dare to eat with a sinner.  Jesus never called out all Zacchaaeus' sins.  He called him by his name, showing that He knew him, and then He showed love for Zacchaeus by going to his house for lunch.  Then in Luke 19:8 it says, “But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”  Why did Zacchaeus have a change of heart?  Why did he change his ways?  Why did the woman at the well change her ways?  Both of them had a renewal of the mind through an encounter with the love of Jesus.  Our goal in life, all of us, should be to lead people to encounter the transforming love of God.  I know we worry about our families and friends.  I know we love them, and we just want what is best for them.  I also know that God loves them more than we ever could.  God wants more for them than we could ever imagine.  So, why do we think it is up to us and us alone to set them on the right path?  Why do we think it is our job to call out their sins?  Have you ever met someone or had someone in your life who pointed out all you did that was wrong?  Have you ever been around someone who made you feel like nothing you did was ever good enough?  How did that make you feel?  Did it make you want to work really hard to get that person's respect?  Did it make you want to not even bother to try because there was no way they would be happy?  Did you feel any love from that person?  The reason for the title of this episode is that our teacher kept saying we needed to look for the gold in people.  When you are mining for gold, you don't always find gold.  Sometimes you pull up rocks, mud, sludge, or whatever else, mixed in with the gold.  However, you don't keep that stuff.  You sift through all the junk and you only keep the good stuff.  What if we did that with all we meet?  Yes, we see all the junk, the uncleanliness, the immature decisions, the sinfulness, and much more.  However, what if we were to sift that stuff out and just look for the gold?  Look for that one thing they are doing right, that one thing they have going for them, that one thing we can be proud of.  I think we definitely underestimate the power of our words and, more importantly, the power of positive words.  Fear is gripping this society today.  There is so much fear, worry, and anxiety.  We must fight it.  We must believe that our God is bigger than anything this world has to throw at Him.  We must believe that God has the power to change our loved ones, to change us.  If there is one thing God has told me so many times over the years, it is to be patient with the process.  He continues to tell me, because it takes multiple times, that the change I am looking for is coming, but it is not coming through my nagging.  My nagging only slows God's plan down.  My nagging only closes the hearts and minds of those I want the best for.  God continues to tell me I just need to love the people, and He will do the rest.  Sometimes this is counterintuitive.  I know you don't see how affirming a person when they are making terrible choices can help the situation, but it can.  We need to come alongside our loved ones.  Instead of acting like we have it all figured out, we can sympathize with their situation.  We can let them know we love them right where they are.  They don't need to change for us to love them.  They don't need to be a certain person, so we can love them.  We already love them and we are here to help when they are ready for help.  Every single person in this world, whether they know it or not, is just looking to be loved, respected, and accepted.  We are called to be like Jesus.  We are called to act like Jesus.  We are called to think like Jesus.  We can't do this on our own, but with Jesus, we can do all things!  What if we put our worry aside for a moment and just lead with love?  What if we sifted through all the crap and called out that one thing they were doing right?  What if we just met people where they were and led them to an encounter with God's transforming love?  I promise you, if you lead with love, you will be surprised at the changes you will see.  St. Augustine said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”  I think this applies to finding the gold in others.  You may have 101 reasons why this won't work, why focusing on the positive won't change anything, why your correcting them is necessary.  I get it, and yet I am asking you to have faith.  Have faith that God can change the situation, change the person, change you.  Have faith that love is what is needed.  You will be surprised how different people act when they know they are loved and they don't have to fight for love.  How about we all commit to trying this for the rest of the month?  Can you spend the next 10 days leading with love?  Can you stop the criticizing, judging, and nagging for the next 10 days and try to find the gold in all those you meet?  Not just find it, but point it out and celebrate it.  God's love is the most powerful tool for change!Dear heavenly Father, please bless all those listening to this episode today.  Lord, forgive us for judging others; we don't mean to.  Forgive us for nagging our loved ones; we only want the best for them.  Forgive us for making others feel unloved or unwanted; that was not our intent.  Lord, show us how to lead with love.  Jesus did it so perfectly, show us how to imitate Jesus.  We just want our loved ones to be successful and happy, whatever that looks like for them.  If this means we need to change or renew our minds to see them in a different light, then we give you permission to change us, too, Lord.  Mold us and transform us to your likeness and image, Lord.  We love you, Lord, you are truly amazing.  We are grateful you love our loved ones more than we ever could.  We are grateful you are in charge, and we are sorry we keep forgetting that.  You are amazing, Lord.  You are the almighty one, the prince of peace.  We bless you, we adore you, and we glorify you.  We love you and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldy with Jesus.  I look forward to meeting you here on Monday. I have finalized the details for my retreat this year. Here is the description for this years retreat. In a world that constantly tells us who we should be—based on status, appearance, success, or past mistakes—it's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. This retreat is an invitation to step away from the noise and return to the heart of your Creator.Through Scripture-based teaching, worship, journaling, and authentic community, you'll begin to uncover the truth of your identity—not as the world defines it, but as God declares it. You are not your past. You are not your failures. You are not what others have said about you. You are who God says you are: loved, chosen, redeemed, and called for a purpose.Whether you're seeking healing, clarity, or simply a deeper understanding of your worth in Christ, this retreat is a sacred space to rediscover your God-given identity and walk boldly in it.Come ready to shed the labels the world has placed on you and embrace the truth of who you are in Him. The retreat will be Oct 11- Oct 12th. This year, it will just be one overnight. In the days to come, I will put a link for more information. I pray you will consider joining me for that weekend. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! I pray you have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in November / December 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I feel the Lord is saying to us, be ready for the unexpected grace.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

Dr. Bill says, "Curiosity saved the cat. Yes, sometimes curiosity is beneficial, and sometimes not. This week, we see how curiosity led to disastrous results for some biblical figures and great blessings for others, such as Zacchaeus. As you continue in your faith, you'll find that developing a habit of curiosity in the things of the Lord will accelerate your growth.”Dr. Bill Smith

Around here, we say Jesus changes everything. But what happens when "everything" includes parts of our lives we don't want to change? As we start this new series, we look at the familiar story of Zacchaeus. While you may only remember the catchy song about it from Vacation Bible School, this story holds a powerful lesson for us.

The theme for May 2025 is "Longing To Be With Jesus." Our guest editor, Raeline Lattimore, examines the man, Zacchaeus.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarityLicense code: UL9CSCKZ4YPM52DF

Join us for the premiere of Keep Church Weird, where we explore the profound and often mysterious significance of the Bible in our lives. This sermon dives into the idea that the Word of God is not just an ancient text but is living and active, capable of thinning the veil between our world and the spiritual realm. We'll examine how encountering scripture can lighten the burdens of life, provide guidance, and even transform us through personal sacrifices and renewed purpose. Drawing from biblical stories like Zacchaeus and Jesus in the wilderness, along with personal anecdotes, we discuss the weight of the human experience and the deep need for something beyond ourselves to navigate life with meaning and direction.

In this powerful opening night of the Feast of Pentecost, Pastor Alex Pappas shared how the Holy Spirit came in power and fire, filling the disciples and drawing many to encounter God. Just like the woman at the well and Zacchaeus, Jesus still goes out of His way to meet with one—and that one is you.With verses like Isaiah 43:1 and Jeremiah 31:3, we're reminded that we are known, loved, and called by name. The Holy Spirit comes within us to save and upon us to empower. You are not forgotten. You matter deeply to God—and He is here to pour His love out on you and set you free.Isaiah 43:1 Jeremiah 31:3 Luke 12:6-7 John 4 Luke 19:1-6 Mark 4:35-41 Mark 5:1-20 Welcome to Oceans Unite - a place for God's presence. Get Connected:    Visit our Linktree

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Zacchaeus was a little man with a big reputation and a burning desire to see Jesus—and that deep longing made quite the difference! Learn how he got far more than he bargained for in his encounter with Christ. Join us on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘An Extraordinary Encounter' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

Mollie Callahan, spiritual director and seminary student, joins to discuss the misuse of church discipline, its harmful impact, and how scripture has often been misapplied in these situations. She examines 1 Corinthians 5, Matthew 18, and stories like the woman caught in adultery, Zacchaeus, and the woman at the well to reframe church discipline through the lens of Jesus' compassion, agency, and pursuit of the hurting.Support the show

Preached at The eXperience Service, First Love Church, Accra. 25th May, 2025.

Preached at The eXperience Service, First Love Church, Accra. 25th May, 2025.