Abide Together: Reflections on Luke 19

In Luke 19, God through Luke records the conversion of Zaccheus, Jesus tells the parable of the servants’ usage of their masters money, the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem is recorded, Jesus warns of the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus drive out those selling things in the Temple, and Luke records how the chief priests and scribes were trying to destroy Jesus.  After Jesus’ encounter with Zaccheus He said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  This indicates that Zaccheus was one was lost and then Jesus saved him from the penalty of his sin.  Zaccheus was converted, he was made right with God through faith in Jesus.  What sticks out the most about this account of Zaccheus’ conversion is the evidence of His full trust in Jesus as the one who saves and rescues from sin.  The evidence of his full trust in Jesus is seen in his words (which we’r obviously followed by actions), “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” True faith/trust includes repentance or a change of direction.  Zaccheus’ words and actions did not earn him salvation, they were evidence of his salvation. Lord, thank You that when You rescue those who place their faith in Jesus,  You do not leave them the same – but you change them from the inside out to live a new life.  Thank You Lord for changing me and making me Your son.

– Bryan McKenzie