Title Anxiety and Solution / Luke 19:1-10
Content Concerns and Solutions / Luke 19:1-10 Rev. Kiho Um
Whether it's the president of a country or a low-level office worker, there is no one without worries, regardless of age or gender. And no matter what kind of trouble it is, the way of accepting and interpreting the problem and the way to solve it are different depending on the social environment and cultural tendency.
What problems do you have, and how do you solve them? How should Christians interpret their troubles and how should they be resolved?
Zacchaeus, whose name means “justice” or “chastity,” was a tax collector in Jericho. At the position of the current head of the tax office, he had oversight over all customs in Jericho. Also, as mentioned in the text, he was rich. However, he, who seemed to have no envy in the world, also had troubles.
What were Zacchaeus' concerns?
First, he had concerns about his career path. Zacchaeus thought that power would satisfy him. So, I tried to get a job as a publican, and I finally succeeded in the world.
His fellow Jews, however, viewed him as dishonest because he served a pagan (Roman) occupying force and had professional contact with non-Jews. They were called sinners, despised and hated.
Second, Zacchaeus was concerned about material things. The customs at that time acted as an intermediary with the Roman government, freely collecting taxes and giving them to Rome, and they were generally wealthy because they exploited huge surpluses. So the Jews regarded tax collectors who exploited them as thieves or robbers. Zacchaeus also became wealthy through this exploitation.
However, neither power nor material resources, which he thought would satisfy his dissatisfaction, could not satisfy him.
Zacchaeus to solve the problem
What did you do?
Many bowed their heads before Zacchaeus, and material wealth provided him comfort, but his heart was not at peace. Rather, there was no satisfaction, but only anxiety, guilt, and worry.
So Zacchaeus decided to meet Jesus.
He heard rumors about Jesus saying, “Jesus is said to be the friend of sinners” and “He also dines with tax collectors.” The fact that Jesus did not discriminate between sinners and tax collectors could not but be an appealing rumor to his ears. So, Zacchaeus had the expectation that his frustrating problem would be solved when he met Jesus. And I heard a rumor that he was passing through Jericho.
He ran without delay. He was eager to meet Jesus. There was a longing for the true life. Zacchaeus did not try to solve his troubles and problems with his power or material things. What he was trying to solve through Jesus was wise.
But there were obstacles in meeting Jesus. The first obstacle is his short stature. This was a problem Zacchaeus was born with. When we move with enthusiasm to solve our problems, we also encounter unavoidable obstacles. Short stature, poor appearance, lack of material wealth, lack of parents… These are innately given. It is an obstacle that we cannot overcome in our own strength. However, many people do not recognize this primary obstacle and fall down in front of it, comparing them to others.
The second obstacle was many people. This refers to obstacles caused by others. We too may encounter obstacles other than ourselves, the environment, or the values of others. And most people stop being pessimistic about their situation in front of this second obstacle.
But Zacchaeus did not sit down with his problems. However, I did not resent others. He was determined to meet Jesus at any cost, and he did his best in the given circumstances. When faced with difficulties, he did not disappoint or give up.
Rather, Zacchaeus decided to climb the sycamore tree and did it (Luke 19:4). He was not a child, his title was a tax collector, and he was economically wealthy, but Zacchaeus did not care about face. I made the decision right away without any consideration for my pride or circumstances. Like a child, Zacchaeus climbed the mulberry tree with simplicity and innocence, overflowing with joy and joy and anticipation.
Christians must keep the qualifications to become children of God (Matthew 18:3, 19:14; Mark 10:14). Children are characterized by innocence, chastity and honesty. Like Zacchaeus, who climbs a sycamore tree like a child and waits to see Jesus pass by, let's do our best without resenting the circumstances given to us.
What were the solutions and blessings of Zacchaeus' troubles?
First I met Jesus. Zacchaeus, who overcame the obstacles in front of him with a heart to meet Jesus, stopped Jesus' steps. And his humble longing for the true life became the channel to receive the blessings of Jesus.
Zacchaeus' passion touched the heart of Jesus. Jesus saw in Zacchaeus a heart of repentance, a passion and a longing for the true life, just beginning to sprout.
Jesus also promised to stay with Zacchaeus.
In the past, Jesus responded to the invitation of a well-known Pharisee (Luke 7:36) and also the tax collector's invitation (Luke 5:29-32). However, in the text, Jesus himself is asking Zacchaeus to invite him. In this way, Jesus blessed Zacchaeus, who came unconditionally with passion.
Not only did he meet Jesus, but he was also brought to his home, and Zacchaeus was moved and said, “Lord, look. I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have extorted anyone, I will repay you fourfold.” This means that those who personally caused damage to property will pay back four times as much, and half the other property will be jointly compensated for the poor.
This confession of Zacchaeus came first through the grace of Jesus. In the past, he relied on wealth and believed that life was in wealth, but his values changed completely after meeting Jesus and receiving that grace.
Finally, Zacchaeus received the blessing of salvation. Jesus was satisfied with Zacchaeus' decision and said, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man is also a descendant of Abraham." And as recorded in verse 10 of the text, to the murmuring crowd, Jesus testified once again about God's grace and salvation.
By longing for Jesus, Zacchaeus not only changed his outlook on life, but also received the blessing of saving his house. And Zacchaeus cleared his past and became a follower of Jesus.
Where are you now? Are you not disturbed by the lusts, ambitions, and vanity of your heart? Aren't you weighed down by failure, frustration, futileness, and meaninglessness?
Then, like Zacchaeus, I hope that you will have a longing heart to meet the Lord only and the faith that all your problems will be solved if you meet the Lord. And no matter what impossibility or obstacle you face, do not be discouraged and keep moving forward with active action.
Jesus does not ask about your past and accepts you as you are. Come to the Lord who sees your heart, your potential, and your potential. So, I hope that you will meet Jesus like Zacchaeus, and you will always be victorious.