Luke 19:1-27

Out on a Limb: The Transformative Encounter with Christ

Bible Passage: Lk 19:1–10

Summary: In Luke 19:1–10, we witness the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, who seeks Jesus yet faces the barriers of his own status and societal judgment. This passage highlights Jesus' willingness to engage with those marginalized by society, ultimately leading to Zacchaeus' repentance and transformation.

Teaching: Through this narrative, the sermon teaches that no one is beyond the grace of God and that genuine repentance leads to transformation. It underscores that Jesus sees beyond our status and sinfulness to our potential for redemption.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this context, Jesus stands as the ultimate seeker of the lost. His interaction with Zacchaeus not only fulfills the prophetic call to rescue the lost but also embodies the heart of God reaching out to those whom others overlook or scorn, consistent with the overarching theme of redemption found throughout Scripture.

Big Idea: You’re never too big, too small, or too far gone for Jesus to save you.

Context: Tax collectors were shunned, outcasts, viewed as traitors. Often dishonest (hence the judgement from last week’s Pharisee) and Z was the CHIEF Collector

1. Zeal To See Jesus

Lk 19:1-3

Like Zacchaeus, we need to get to Jesus but we cannot make our way to Him on our own.

Thankfully he has already come to us! HOPE

2. Going Out On A Limb

Lk 19:4-6

When you cannot see Jesus, position yourself appropriately, and listen for His voice.

When He calls for you, follow Him!

3. Grumbling to Grace

Lk 19:7-8

Never be discourage for the obedience/blessing/calling/fruit/etc… of a fellow brother, often the lack of hearing from Jesus is from within and not the fault of Christ

When your life gets taken over by Jesus, the change is radical (the restoration of Z in verse 8)

4. Salvation in the Savior

Lk 19:9-10

Why does his lineage have anything to do with his salvation?

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Investing in God's Kingdom: The Parable of the Ten Minas

Bible Passage: Lk 19:11–27

Summary: In this parable, Jesus uses the story of a nobleman and his ten servants to illustrate the importance of faithful stewardship and readiness for His return. Each servant is entrusted with a mina and given the opportunity to invest it wisely, reflecting a call to action for faithful service in the Kingdom of God.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to recognize their unique gifts, resources, and responsibilities, prompting them to actively engage in God's work. In times of uncertainty and struggle, it reassures believers that their efforts in serving Christ and growing His Kingdom will be rewarded.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that God has entrusted each believer with His resources and expects them to use them for His glory. It emphasizes accountability and encourages a proactive faith that takes initiative in spiritual and practical matters.

Big Idea: You’re responsible for what has been given to you, not what has been given to others.

Context: What is a minas?

A lot of parallel from Matthew 25:14–30

Matthew 25:14–30 ESV

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

And Matthew 13:12

Matthew 13:12 ESV

For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

Luke 8:18 ESV

Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.

Mark 4:25 ESV

For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

1. Nobleman's Noble Trust

Lk 19:11-15

We’ve all been given responsibilities to manage until Christ returns or we die. We will be held accountable for how well we steward what we are given.

2. Faithful Followers Flourish

Lk 19:16-19

Perhaps you could focus on the faithful servant's actions, showing that utilizing Christ-given gifts leads to growth and reward. This highlights the importance of taking initiative and engaging in productive service, underscoring the promise of divine reward for faithfulness.

3. Cautionary Complacency

Lk 19:20-23

Maybe you could discuss the fear and inaction of the unfaithful servant who hides his mina. This part of the passage warns against complacency and calls for courage in using God's gifts, acting as a reminder of the expectation for active faith and service.

4. Reward and Reckoning

Lk 19:24-27

You could highlight the consequences for both faithful and unfaithful servants, tying it to the ultimate accountability and reward promised by Christ. This segment can encourage believers to reflect on their stewardship, looking forward to Christ's return and judgment with hope and diligence.