-THE PEREAN MINISTRY

          -Jesus Visits Zacchaeus, The Parable of the Pounds, Jesus Sets Forth For Jerusalem

-Luke 19:1-28

-Here, we are introduced to Zacchaeus, a rich man who was chief amongst the tax collectors.

            -Luke 19:2 states, “There was a man named Zacchaeus…”  “’A man,’ the Greek word

             here interpreted as ‘man’ means ‘a man indeed,’ which shows clearly that Zacchaeus

             was a person of importance and great consideration” (Boles, Luke, pg 358).

            -“Herod the Great had raised Jericho to opulence, and to be rich in such a city was no

             small matter” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 562).

-Zacchaeus was anxious to see Jesus but, due to the fact that he was short, couldn’t see

 over the crowd.  So, he climbed into a Sycamore tree in order to see our Savior.

            -“He not only desired to see him, but he was determined to see him.  We do not know

             whether it was through curiosity or from some other motive; we do know he was

             determined to see Jesus” (Boles, Luke, pg 358).

-When Jesus arrived at the place that Zacchaeus overlooked, Jesus looked up at Zacchaeus

 and instructed Him to come down and informed that He would be a guest in his house.

            -“If Zacchaeus was surprised when Jesus saw him and spoke to him, how much greater

             was his astonishment when Jesus told him that he would abide at his house.  Although

             Zacchaeus was a man of authority, prominence, and wealth, yet Jesus commanded him

             to come down from the tree, and imposed himself upon Zacchaeus as a self-invited guest.

             This was enough to impress Zacchaeus with the fact that Jesus could and did speak with

             commanding authority” (Boles, Luke, pg 359).

            -Note, Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully.

-We can see in verse 7 that the people of Jericho did not hold this rich tax collector in high

 regards.  As a result, they were surprised that Jesus would be the guest of “a man that is a

 sinner.”

            -While in the house, Zacchaeus stood and spoke to Jesus.  “He does not expect to be justified

             by his works as the Pharisee who boasted of what he had done, but by his good works he

             will, through the grace of God, evidence the sincerity of his faith and repentance; and here

             he declares what his determination was” (Henry). 

-Notice Jesus’ response, “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a

 son of Abraham, For the Son of man came to seek and save that which was lost” (vs 18-19).

            -Jesus reminds those present that His purpose was to seek and save the lost - to convert

             sinners from the error of their way.  Zacchaeus was a straying sheep that was brought

             back into the fold.

-Since Jesus was headed toward Jerusalem and since those present expected an immediate

 establishment of an earthly kingdom, Jesus delivered the Parable of the Pounds.

            -This parable shows that Jesus would not be establishing an earthly kingdom.  Instead, He

             would go “…into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom.”  Later, He would

             return and take account (judge) His servants.  The Lord’s servants are expected to utilize

             their abilities and opportunities in His service while He is away.

            -After speaking these words, Jesus continued His way toward Jerusalem.

            -At this point, the Perean Ministry is brought to a close.  The crucifixion of Jesus is

              now one week away.