Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Nov 3rd, 2018 They Wanted To See Jesus – The Saturday Morning Post

Today’s Passages – Luke 19 – 20 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – click here to view the text from the Blue Letter Bible website)

(Second Milers also read – Psalms 11 – 15; Proverbs 3)

Read the “1103 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 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. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” (Luke 19:1-6)

Good morning. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. He took the initiative to run ahead of Him and climb into a sycomore tree to see. Zacchaeus ended up spending the day at his house with Jesus.

“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; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.” (Luke 19:37-38)

There was a multitude gathered as Jesus rode into town. They had seen Jesus and the mighty works done, and they praised God. Unfortunately, there were Pharisees there too who wanted to see Jesus: to tell Him to keep His disciples from praising God.

“And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40)

The chief priests and the scribes were there to see Jesus too, but for a different reason…

“And the chief priests and the scribes the same hour sought to lay hands on him; and they feared the people: for they perceived that he had spoken this parable against them. And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.” (Luke 20:19-20)

The Sadducees were also there to see Jesus. And to ask questions to catch Jesus with His Words. They were all there for different reasons, but they all wanted to see Jesus. What about you? Jesus said…

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Do you want to see Jesus? He’s in your Sunday School class. Do you want to see Jesus? He is at your Sunday Morning and Evening Services. He is even at your Mid-week Evening Prayer/Bible Study. You can even meet with Him at your home, alone, doing your personal devotions. It would be my guess that if you are not in church, then you’re probably not doing your Walking With God at home either.

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:19-25)

We miss you, and are praying for you. Hope to see you Sunday.

Peace.