Monday, November 22

Luke 19 - 20

Jesus meets and interacts with a tax collector named Zacchaeus.  The transformation made by Jesus in Zacchaeus' life is so drastic that he voluntarily pays back all that he has cheated out of his clients - with interest.  The fruit of repentance needs to be clearly seen; and Zacchaeus was showing it!  Jesus continued teaching that the kingdom of God was coming, but would not arrive as early as His followers anticipated.  Their responsibility was to faithfully complete the work given to them, and not to think that everything was already in order.
Jesus then entered into the city of Jerusalem shortly before the Passover was celebrated.  The throngs gathering in the city welcomed Him with a great reception that raised the attention of even the religious leaders.  Jesus cleansed the temple of those who sought to make a profit from their business dealings within the gates; and He promptly had His authority questioned by the leaders.  When He would not directly answer their questions, they kept asking other "litmus-test" questions, trying to catch Jesus in a contradiction that would turn the public's favor from Him.  Jesus, however, answered truthfully and wisely in each case and only highlighted the folly of the questioners.

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