Text Study for Sunday, April 6, 2025

Series Theme: Finding What Is Lost

Reading: Luke 19:1-10

printable version

Connecting Question

Who is someone who has a bad reputation? Why? What is your reputation?

Prayer for Illumination

God of mercy, you promised never to break your covenant with us.

In the midst of the multitude of words in our daily lives,

speak your eternal Word to us,

that we may respond to your gracious promises

with faithfulness, service and love.

Amen.

CONTEXT

It’s Lent, time for Jesus to set his face on Jerusalem and reveal who he truly is. It’s time for each of us to look toward Jesus on the cross, what does that mean in our journey, how can you live faithfully during Lent? We want you to reflect and talk about lost things, what are you looking for your life? Use this Lenten season to let Jesus reveal himself to you, to allow yourself to be lost and found in Jesus. Let’s take this journey together in “Finding What Is Lost”!

From Dr Matt Skinner at EntertheBible.org:

If, however, Zacchaeus in 19:8 announces that he is at this point in time changing his behavior and moving from corruption to benevolence, then his “salvation” involves a new way of living. He no longer serves his wealth (see 16:13) but generously gives a portion of it away to those who are poor and those who have been victimized by an oppressive economic system. Even such an unlikely candidate for salvation is not beyond the reach of Jesus’ efforts to reclaim the lost.

Look at the Book

How is it with your Spirit as we head to the fifth week of Lent?
Do you have any hopes for connecting with God or others this Lent?
Open to Luke 19. Where have you heard the name Zacchaeus before?
What is Jesus’s destination in much of Luke? Why will he go there?
This is the last moment before Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. What might Luke want us to know about God’s love if Zacchaeus is the last moment before heading into the city of Jerusalem?
Where does Jesus meet Zacchaeus? Find it on a map in a Bible. How far is it from Jerusalem? Is Jesus staying there?
What do we learn about Zacchaeus in verses 2-4?
What is surprising about what Jesus does in verse 5? How does Zacchaeus respond? How would you respond?
Google Luther’s Small Catechism, Apostle’s Creed, Article 3. Luther says, “I believe that I cannot by my own understanding believe in Jesus Christ or come to him, BUT ______ How might this be good news for people with “bad reputations?”
Where have you heard verses like verse 7 before? Have you said this before?
What do you think of Zacchaeus’s statement in verse 8? Is it crocodile tears or honest? Can we tell?
In this case, what does “salvation” look like? Is it forgiveness for past wrongs or more? Zacchaeus would not have been welcome in the community because of his role, what else has the possibility of being repaired? The title Jesus uses for Zacchaeus in verse 9 can help!
Verse 10 connects to our theme for Lent. What do you think of Jesus’s statement of purpose of his role?
How does this story speak to you today?
What would you like to talk about that we have not yet?

Taking it Home

Is there someone, or group of people, God is calling you to change your mind about? From bad reputation to something else? Whom? Why?

God of the promise, you call your people together into your one mission in Christ’s name. Make us brave, grant us peace, challenge our expectations, and empower us to truly follow your Spirit’s lead. You are our one God who calls us together as one people, and we thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Grow Guide | April 6, 2025