There is much to consider in passage such as this one. The resurrection brings great hope–because Jesus is alive, all of His people have hope of life eternal and the hope of the resurrection of their own bodies unto glory. The resurrection gives us a hope that is truly unshakable.
What we see in that scene is the innocent condemned in the place of the guilty. Is this not what Jesus has done for His people? The Spotless Lamb was condemned so that His people might go free. The old hymn, “Man of Sorrows, What A Name!” by Philip Bliss uses the phrase, “In my place condemned He stood.” Christ stood condemned instead of His people. Though we deserved the judgment of God, Christ Himself took it upon Himself at the Cross. Because Christ has accomplished all this on behalf of His people, we may go free.
“Fear Not!” is common in scripture. But how can we possibly obey it? After all fear is a response to circumstances we cannot control. Our finitude creates anxiety. We are not in control. We never were. But what God commands, He provides. The remedy for fear is faith in the one who is in control. Luke 21:5-19 appears fear-filled. But closer examination reveals assurance and victory. Listen as we consider how God equips us to advance the gospel through this tremendous assurance.
Every week Christians profess their faith in the Apostles’ Creed. Among its central doctrines is a profession that Jesus “ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” Yet many have never considered why the Ascension is such an important doctrine. Join us as we examine Luke 24:50-53 and consider the hope and comfort we receive from the Ascension.
Zacchaeus – the wee little man – in Luke 19 was lost. He tried to find himself in work and in wealth. And, in both he was at the top of his game. He was no mere tax collector, but the chief-tax collector. He oversaw all tax collection in Jericho, a fabulously wealthy and progressive city. And he was fabulously wealthy. But it came at a cost. Success cost him his identity and his integrity. His name, Zacchaeus, meant “righteous one.” But his reputation was that of an odious sinner. All he had gained was nothing compared to what he had lost. He was lost and longed to be found.
Perhaps Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus. That he was a “friend of tax collectors and sinners.” The religious establishment had no place for Zacchaeus in their lives or their religion. But maybe this Jesus would be different. What kind of man was Jesus? He had to see. You might think at first glance that Luke 19 is a story about Zacchaeus looking for Jesus. But it is actually quite the opposite. It was Jesus who came to Jericho looking for Zacchaeus. Listen to “Lost and Found” as we examine this passage and see how God’s love for us unfolds in the seeking and the saving of Zacchaeus.
River City Reformed Church 