October 1, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Luke Chapter 19
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.
13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.
15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.
16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.
17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
18 And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.
19 And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities.
20 And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin:
21 For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow.
22 And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow:
23 Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?
24 And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds.
25 (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.)
26 For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him.
27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.
28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.
29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,
30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither.
31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.
32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them.
33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt?
34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him.
35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.
36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.
37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
47 And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him,
48 And could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Luke chapter 19 depicts pivotal events from the life of Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem. It begins with Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, the wealthy tax collector, who repents after Jesus visits his house. This is followed by the parable of the ten minas, which addresses responsibility and the anticipation of Christ’s return. Finally, Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem is described, accompanied by His emotional weeping over the city and the cleansing of the temple. This chapter encapsulates key aspects of repentance, justice, and the coming Kingdom of God.
Commentary:
The story of Zacchaeus illustrates Jesus’ willingness to reach out to the lost. Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, seeks Jesus by climbing a tree and is rewarded by Jesus for his openness and repentance. This encounter demonstrates the power of repentance and Jesus’ ability to transform hearts. Zacchaeus’ decision to share his wealth and rectify injustices reflects the true meaning of repentance and faith.
The parable of the ten minas highlights the responsibility each believer has to wisely use the gifts God has entrusted to them. While some servants multiply their minas, the third servant fails out of fear and inaction. This parable emphasizes that God expects us to be productive with what He has given us and that inaction will be punished. The reward is life in the Kingdom of God, but those who reject it will be judged.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is celebrated by the crowd as a triumphant arrival of a king. The disciples loudly praise Jesus, while the Pharisees disapprove. Jesus warns them that worship cannot be suppressed—if the people remain silent, the stones will cry out. This underscores the inevitability of the Kingdom of God’s arrival.
When Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, His deep sorrow over the impending destruction of the city and the people’s lack of understanding becomes evident. He recognizes that Jerusalem has missed the offer of peace and salvation. The cleansing of the temple symbolizes Jesus’ authority and His desire to purify faith from corrupt influences.
Summary:
Luke 19 is a powerful portrayal of repentance, responsibility, and the kingship of Jesus. Zacchaeus’ conversion demonstrates the transformative power of faith, while the parable of the minas teaches the importance of wisely using God’s gifts. Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His tears over the city highlight the urgency of recognizing the coming Kingdom of God. Through the cleansing of the temple, Jesus asserts His divine authority over religious life. Overall, this chapter emphasizes themes of redemption, judgment, and the inevitable arrival of the Kingdom of God.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 66—Controversy
This chapter is based on Matthew 22:15-46; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:20-47
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 66 describes the increasing confrontation between Jesus and the religious leaders of His time, based on the accounts in Matthew 22, Mark 12, and Luke 20. These confrontations illustrate the attempts by the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees to embarrass and trap Jesus through cunning questions. Jesus meets these challenges with wisdom and authority and lays out fundamental principles for the relationship between humans and God and with secular authority.
Commentary:
In this chapter, the Pharisees and their allies attempt to trap Jesus with a question about tax obligations to the Roman emperor. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and provides a profound answer: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” He separates worldly duties from divine ones without diminishing loyalty to God. This demonstrates the duality of a believer’s responsibilities in the world.
Subsequently, the Sadducees attack by posing a question about the resurrection, which they themselves deny. Jesus’ response highlights the spiritual nature of eternal life and refutes their materialistic viewpoint. He emphasizes that different principles apply in the Kingdom of God than in earthly existence. The dispute clarifies the difference between outward ritual and true spiritual understanding.
Finally, a scribe asks Jesus a question about the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus summarizes God’s commandments into two: love for God and love for neighbor. This is the essence of the divine commandments, showing that all commandments are based on love. This statement highlights the inner core of the law and emphasizes that obedience can only truly be fulfilled through love.
Summary:
Chapter 66 depicts the conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders who tried to bring Him down with deceitful questions. Jesus thwarts their plans with clear, wise answers that reveal deeper truths: the balance between secular and divine authority, the reality of the resurrection, and the essence of the divine commandments rooted in love for God and neighbor. At the end of these confrontations, the religious leaders are left speechless, while Jesus’ teachings continue to testify to truth and clarity.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 67—Woes on the Pharisees
This chapter is based on Matthew 23; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 20:45-47; Luke 21:1-4.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 67 describes Jesus’ final day, during which He teaches in the temple and delivers a powerful condemnation of the hypocrisy and sanctimony of the religious leaders. Jesus speaks bold words, denouncing the Pharisees and scribes for their false, selfish way of life in faith while simultaneously praising humility and true piety. The crowd observing Him is moved by His words, while the religious leaders are exposed and humiliated.
Commentary:
Jesus’ sharp words against the Pharisees and scribes emphasize their hypocrisy, abuse of power, and selfish motives. Although they appear outwardly pious and emphasize religious duties, they do not adhere to these rules themselves. Jesus condemns their love for titles, honors, and external recognition, highlighting true piety, which is demonstrated through humility, mercy, and service.
The episode of the poor widow who throws her last coins into the temple underscores the importance of selfless sacrifice. While the rich give out of their abundance, the widow gives all she has. This shows that God does not evaluate the material value of a sacrifice but the heart and intention behind it.
At the end, Jesus warns of the spiritual decline of the religious leadership, which will lead to the destruction of Jerusalem. His lament over Jerusalem reflects God’s deep sorrow over the obstinacy of His people, who reject His prophets and ultimately His Messiah.
Summary:
Chapter 67 reveals Jesus’ sharp criticism of the religious leaders of His time. He condemns their hypocrisy and abuse of power, making it clear that true greatness lies in serving and humility. The story of the poor widow demonstrates that God values the heart and willingness to sacrifice of His followers, while Jesus prophesies the impending judgment on Jerusalem. This chapter is a poignant call to inner repentance, genuine piety, and the fulfillment of God’s commandments with love and mercy.
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