Episode 031 – Zacchaeus Pt 7: Answering Your Questions
Key Passage(s): Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:19-24
Over the last six episodes, we’ve been digging into the Zacchaeus story, and I’ve been encouraging you to ask your questions. In this episode, I seek to answer those questions. The discussion entails everything from what salvation meant for the Jewish people in the first century to how we steward our hearts with respect to our money to how Jesus addressed the religious leaders who though they had it all together (and clearly didn’t), and more. May this discussion help round out some additional aspects of the Zacchaeus story as we seek to live out the truths of this story in our lives.
Discussion Questions
- Were there any “aha” moments for you in the answers given that helped you better understand a facet of the Zacchaeus story or just life in general?
- Were you surprised by the discussion on “salvation?” Why or why not?
- Based on your understanding of the Zacchaeus story, were there any questions you would’ve answered differently?
- What’s your biggest takeaway from this entire series on Zacchaeus?
- Have you begun living out the most significant truths addressed in this series in your life? If so, how? If not, what’s the next step you need to take in doing so?
Thank you Brad,
You’ve explained many questions I had. I’m looking forward to your next program and series.
Bill
Fantastic!
Brad, thank you for taking questions after doing this series. It reminded me of the interaction you encouraged on your Study Trips. I always appreciated the ability to ask questions along with hearing the questions of others and your insights. Your Tuesday Teachings are a regular part of Holly and I having breakfast together.
Thanks, Karl
You are most welcome, Karl. Thanks for the asking the questions you did 🙂
Hi Brad,
Thank you for the weekly video. Really enjoyed the Zacchaeus series. I particularly enjoyed your insights regarding the word play on the sycamore-fig tree.
Please consider transcribing the series into a booklet. Would enjoy reading it from time to time. Thanks!
Billy
Glad you enjoyed the series, Billy! And we’ll definitely take that recommendation into consideration.
I truly enjoyed this series. You’ve taught me so much. I definitely agree with Billy about transcribing this series into a booklet. It was fascinating. Thanks.
Glad to hear, Tru!
Brad, Thank you so much for the Teaching Series. Listening and processing the teachings are a highlight of my week.
Fantastic. So great to know,
Hi Brad! I was reading through 1 Kings 10 and I came across the verse “[Solomon] made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills” and had a wonderful AHA moment, realizing just what an amazing display of wealth that statement was because of the contrast between not only stones and silver but sycamore-fig trees and cedar as well. Thank you for the wonderful contextual history you’ve taught us these past few weeks.
You are most welcome, Christina.
If Zaccheus had already repented before he climbed the tree, I don’t think people would have commented that Jesus eats with sinners.
I’m getting there almost half way to the current episode. I have helped roughly 25 young adults in Holland with shelter in my home, food, safety, adive and guidance and most of all love. Giving as I thought it was my calling. Throughout the past 7 years I have been very used and mistreated in doing so and God said I saved you from exile from Egypt, will you forget all that I have done. I am now leary of sharing the “wealth” to those less fortunate now. But the worst part is I feel as though I am not upholding what my calling is. The second commandment to love thh neighbor as you Love God. Amd.I always want to honor that. I struggle daily and I don’t know how to find balance or peace. Maybe you could give me some insight on this Brad?
Hi Crystal, thank you for sharing this. This is a much longer conversation, but let me say this … it’s important whenever we serve, to serve out of our fulness, and not out of our emptiness. If what you’re doing is sucking the life out of you, then I don’t think it’s what God is calling you to do. If it is what you feel God is calling you to do, then you need to find a way to be more filled up, so you can serve out of fullness. And if you’re being used mistreated, then that needs to be dealt with. Or you need to find another place to serve. We are called to love our neighbor, but there is a healthy and unhealthy way to do so. Is that helpful?