Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Thursday, 2 October 2014 "Jesus changed lives while people grumbled"

Leawood, Kansas, United States - The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Daily Guide grow. pray. study. for Thursday, 2 October 2014 "Jesus changed lives while people grumbled"
Daily Scripture: Luke 19: Zacchaeus
1-4 Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.
5-7 When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”
8 Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”
9-10 Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”
Reflection Questions:
Jesus openly bucked social rules by saying, "Zacchaeus, come down—I must stay in your home today." Jesus invited this outcast into a personal friendship, and made it real by sharing his hospitality. He told the grumbling crowd (many of whom Zacchaeus had probably cheated) that he "came to seek and save the lost." Zacchaeus' response showed a profound heart change, one that no doubt helped many who had grumbled about Jesus going to be "the guest of a sinner."
Zacchaeus was so eager to learn more about Jesus that he, a wealthy adult citizen, climbed a tree to offset his short stature. Jesus was so eager to reach Zacchaeus that he very publicly invited himself to a meal at the house of one of the most despised "sinners" in town. What parts of your social dignity and status are you willing to lay aside to "see" Jesus more fully, or to reach others with Jesus' love?
Was Zacchaeus wealthier and more of a "success" at the start of this story, or at its end? You know the answer you're "supposed to give," but honestly, how do you define "wealth" and "success" for yourself? Would you ever give up as much as Zacchaeus did if that was what it took to have Jesus, the "pearl of great price," in your life?
Today's Prayer:
Lord, I thank you that even as I seek you, you have been seeking me as you sought Zacchaeus. When I feel "outcast," remind me that I'm always an "insider" with you. Amen.
Insight from Mike Wilhoit
Mike Wilhoit serves at The Church of the Resurrection as Local Missions Director.
My wife Jeannie and I have 15-year old quadruplets. Mia is our beautiful daughter. Noah, Ben and Zach are our boys. They are all having a terribly fun time being freshmen in high school. Most recently, the boys have been working on creative ways to ask girls to the fall 2014 Homecoming Dance. Here’s the rub. One of my sons is a foot shorter than his two brothers and shorter than most girls his age. To overcome this challenge, he lay down on the ground with a sign on his chest asking his date to Homecoming!
This reminds me of another dance story. A good friend of mine is a college professor in Virginia with two daughters in high school. His oldest daughter is all set with her Homecoming date. His younger daughter is not. You see, Cora has severe cerebral palsy and has never been asked to a dance. So, guess who asked her to go? Her Dad.
Stature, or how others view us, is important to everyone. We all need to be included, and we all need dignity. Both of these stories reflect instances where one gave honor and dignity to another. My challenge is to look for those on the fringe and pull them in, just as Jesus did for Zacchaeus. It’s also important to be willing to climb that tree or lay down on the ground when you’re the one in need. (By the way, Ben’s date said “yes.”)
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