Big Idea:
The world says, “Get all you can get for you,” but Jesus says, “Live justly and generously for Me.”
Key Verse:
Luke 19:1‐9 (The Message)
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. 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?" 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." 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."
The Scoop:
Zaccheus is our 80’s guy. He would’ve been right at home in the decade of corporate raiders and wealth.
His name means “pure” or “just” but Zaccheus was neither. As a tax collector, he made his money by
cheating, gouging or extorting it out of people. Perhaps the worst thing about how he acquired his wealth
was that he was a traitor. It didn’t matter to him that he ripped off his fellow Jews. Money mattered to
him. But when he meets Jesus, something happens. Notice Jesus’ words: “Today is salvation day in this
home.” Zacchaeus didn’t become generous in order to earn his salvation. Rather, justice and generosity
flowed out of Zacchaeus as a result of getting to know Jesus.
1. In the 80’s, it was okay to brag about being a “material girl” (or boy). Think about people’s
perception of materialism in today’s culture. How does our era compare or contrast with that of
the 80’s?
2. The interesting thing is that God doesn’t just call us to not be greedy. As stated in the Big Idea,
He calls us to live just and generous lives and care for the poor. What is the difference? And why
is this distinction important?
What’s Next? (take home/further processing/application)
What is one step you can take in your life this next week to live more generously? Some ideas include:
- Choose something you own but don’t really need, sell it, and give the money to someone in need.
- Commit some of your money and your time to a worthy cause and set up a time to serve there.
- Give money or a gift anonymously to someone you know in need.
- Intentionally spend some time with someone whom you know is ostracized/marginalized, and listen to them and share your story with them.
