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Luke 19:1-10 (Common English Bible)
1 (Jesus) entered Jericho and was passing through it. 2 A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. 5 When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him. 7 All who saw it began to grumble and said, “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” 8 Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” 9 Then Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”.
Summary:
In the United Methodist Church, the first Sunday in November is observes two major feasts: All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2). Whereas All Saints Day commemorates the great historical forerunners to our faith, All Souls Day helps us remember some of the “everyday saints” who have gone before us and have entered into God’s rest.
In this scripture, Jesus gives Zacchaeus a new opportunity to become an “everyday saint.” As Jesus gives Zachaeus a second chance, God gives us all new opportunities to live into our divine purpose and calling. In addition, as Jesus gives us second chances, we are called and empowered to extend that same grace to others.
Reflection Questions:
- How does it feel to hear that God gives you a “second chance?
- How does Zacchaeus respond to the new opportunity he is given?
- Who is God calling you to offer a second chance to?