Luke
Chapter 19.
Zaccheus.
19:1-10. An abbreviation of
Zacharius (pure). Moorman describes him
as Chief
Inspector of the Inland Revenue.
* His
curiosity. Another man who wanted to
see. An impulsive and child-like
curiosity aroused him to see Jesus.
* Jesus' command. This was more than Zaccheus expected, but he
immediately recognised Jesus' authority to command the blessing. He responds by an immediate renunciation of
the service of mammon, he is now a changed man.
* The
Jews complaint. They begin to murmur
that Jesus went to lodge with one whom they regarded as a class apart from
themselves - a man who was a sinner. (see 18:11). They had not grasped the true mission of the
Son of Man, or their own need. Jesus
came to save the lost and, though his ministry was confined to the descendants
of Abraham, such a ministry must have greater horizons for all men are in this
category.
Historic days. 19:9 ( see also 2:11; 4:21; 5:26; 22:34;
23:43).
The parable of
the pounds. 19:11-28.
* Occasion.
They were near Jerusalem
and the enthusiasm was strong. Some
enthusiasts thought that at their arrival at Jerusalem,
the Kingdom of God would immediately appear
('anaphaino'), the great moment was about to appear, but for Jesus, the moment
was to be an exodus, a departure. He
would depart to receive a kingdom and then at a later time return.
* Testing.
The journey into a far country, suggests a time of delay, during which
the true worth of his servants is tested.
A mina (about $4.) is given to each of the servants. The disciples are prepared for a long delay
or period of probation and stewardship.
* Reckoning.
The case of the three servants is sufficient to illustrate their
responsibility. Their status in the
kingdom will be according to the quality of their service. The fear of making a mistake is no reason to
do nothing. Fear is no excuse for
failure. The lack of special ability, is
no excuse for idleness.
The Triumphant
procession. 19:29-40. The Lord prepares for this triumphant entry, and
encourages the enthusiasm of his disciples.
He rides down from the Mount of Olives (east of Jerusalem)
across the valley
of Kidron into the city,
a distance of about two miles. He is
accompanied by a large crowd, ready to acclaim Him as the Messiah King. In this event, he especially fulfils the
Messianic role of Zech.9:9-10. In this
impressive act, he signifies his willingness to accept their acclamation, that
he was their Messiah. But, He came in
peace, and not as a martial hero. The
Pharisees appeal to him to stop it.
Their excuse may have been that such a parade, would arouse suspicion of
revolt in the minds of the Roman Governor.
Jesus' lament
over Jerusalem. 19:41-44. This lamentation forms a striking
contrast to the unbounded enthusiasm of the multitude. There may be some word-play on 'shelma'
(Aramaic word for peace) and a popular etymology for Jerusalem, (vision of peace). The city lacked vision, it knew not the time
of its visitation. This is an Old
Testament idiom, and usually means, the visitation of God in judgment. Here it means, 'The Day of Salvation'. Everything had converged on Jerusalem, and now the climax was
reached. But the city was ignorant of
the Divine visitation.
The Temple cleansed. 19:45-46.
In this He reveals his authority in the Temple, but the priests would regard it as an
attack on their authority.
Christ taught
in the Temple. 19:47-48.
It was the proper centre for His teaching to go forth to the
nations. His new activity in the Temple appeared as a
gross presumption to the priests, who did not discern the truth of His Person
and mission.
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