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Scripture and Sermon November 3, 2013. Rev. Dr. John W. Landis. Gospel Reading. Luke 19:1-10. 19:1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus ; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
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Scripture and SermonNovember 3, 2013 Rev. Dr. John W. Landis
Gospel Reading Luke 19:1-10
2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guestof a ‘sinner. ”
8 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.”
9 Jesus said to him,“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Get Down Here! Luke Luke 19:1-10 November 3, 2013 All Saints Sunday Communion Sunday Immanuel Baptist Church Rev. John W. Landis, DMin
Busy Day! • All Saints Day • This is the Sunday we Celebrate All the Saints And WHOmight that be?
Saint • Exceptionally Virtuous • Usually has miracles that have been done in their name • Roman Catholic Church does not make people saints, just recognizes them • Anyone who is in heaven is a Saint • Particularly in Eastern Orthodoxy • More specifically, anyone who is . . . in Communion with God • Originally, Any Christian That would be you and me
It is the story of the Transformation (Metamorphosis)of Zacchaeus into a Saint!
Zacchaeus • Chief Tax Collector • Typically made their money by gouging • In the service of the Romans • Hated by all • Probably had been picked on all of his life • Had his chance to get back at all who had picked on him! • From a material standpoint probably had all he wanted • From a power standpoint as well!
Zacchaeus • Curious about Jesus • Willing to do what it took to get near to Jesus • Resourceful • Climbs the tree • Persistent • He may be an honest man! • Says “IF I have cheated someone
Zacchaeus • Willing to explore • Open to the possibilities • Willing to act in the face of the hostile crowd • When he meets Jesus, he is transformed
Zacchaeus • Willing to act on Redemption • Willing to make things right • Doesn’t wait for forgiveness to make things right! • Not an “if – then” proposition • One of the few rich willing to give away his possessions Values his soul over his money
Crowd • Selfish • Self Righteous • Looking for vengeance • Not willing to help Zacchaeus find Jesus • Not willing to rejoice at Zacchaeus finding Jesus and redemption! • They do what Crowds do . . . They Grumble!
Jesus • Looking to save • Sensitive to those who are looking • Not too busy to listen • Or rather busy offering people the chance for TRANSFORMATION and redemption • Sees past the past • And prejudices • Willing to forgive
Lessons to Learn • If you are going to change (Metanoia) . . . SHOW IT! • What have you done differently since becoming a Christian? • What are you going to do? • You can’t buy your way into heaven (ML) • You can into Hell however! • If you have wronged someone, you need to make restitution
Lessons to Learn • If you are lost look for Jesus • If you want to get close to Jesus you have to work at it • If you actively seek Jesus you will be rewarded • He will come into your life and stay with you • Watch out, he will change everything
Jesus wants you to be a Saint!(In Communion with God!)(In heaven when you die!)
Listen, I think I hear the voice of Jesus saying to you and me. . .
“Get over here . . .for I am going to your house today. . . Going to your HEART to STAY”