Thoughts on the readings for March 27th (Numbers 8, 9, Proverbs 5, Luke 19)

Luke 19 records the story of tiny Zacchaeus who had climbed a mulberry tree to catch sight of Jesus, who would pass by among the crowd. The Lord, who was always able to read people’s minds, stopped underneath the tree where the tax gatherer was. Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today I must dine at your house”. In a statement of true repentance Zacchaeus indicates how there would be a recompense to any person defrauded by him (using the language of the trespass offering). This statement by Zacchaeus could indicate that he was already trying to tread the path of the just. Zacchaeus hastily prepared a great feast and invites Jesus to dine with him. The chapter tells of Jesus speaking the parable of the ten Minas. This parable was given because because of the disciples’ false expectation that the kingdom of God would immediately appear. The parable was based on the well known historical circumstances surrounding the life of Herod Antipas. The parable is based on the utilisation of abilities which have been distributed by the Lord. The parable tells of the enemies of the kingdom being slaughtered before the king. The chapter next describes the Lord Jesus triumphant entry to Jerusalem on a donkey, which had never been ridden. The crowds acclaimed our Lord as they waved palm branches and recited the words of Psalm 118 and Zechariah 9. The chapter says that Jesus paused as he came over the brow of the hill and caught sight of the city. He wept over it with great tenderness. He explains his love and desire for that city. But like the leprous house the stones of that city would be torn down one by one. Jesus laments that the next time his people would see him would be at a time of Jewish conversion and repentance. At that time the nation of Israel would declare, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of Yahweh”. This time will bring blessing for the whole world – at last.