What Jesus Did! 'Repentance Means Change!' — Luke 19:8-9

Sunday, November 5, 2023

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[While people were grumbling that Jesus was going to eat with Zacchaeus, "a notorious sinner," he] stood before the Lord and said, "I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!" Jesus responded, "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham."
— Luke 19:8-9 NLT

Key Thought

Zacchaeus is a living example of repentance in this passage. Repentance is a change of heart that leads to a change of life. Zacchaeus was so touched by the Lord's loving presence that his heart was changed and he made a commitment to change his lifestyle. That kind of change is a mark of salvation and a guarantee of a new person!

There's some uncertainty about how to translate the verb "give" in the first part of today's passage. The NLT and some other translations have "will give" (future tense) while still others have "give" and "restore"(present tense — indicating this was something Zacchaeus is already doing). [1] Either way, Zacchaeus is an excellent example for us.

  • If Luke intended the present tense, then Zacchaeus was saying that he wasn't a cheat, "a notorious sinner," as the people assumed him to be. [2] Rather his giving to the poor was an example of what Jesus said is essential for inheriting the eternal Kingdom [3] and his restoring an excess amount if he had cheated someone was an example of what Jesus described as going the second mile. [4]
  • If Luke intended the future tense, then Zacchaeus was a living example of repentance from his life of cheating people as a tax collector. [5]

Whether it's repenting from sinful ways or using what we have to help others and more than correcting any wrong, we need to follow Zacchaeus' example.

[1] For example, Luke 19:8 ESV.
[2] Luke 19:6-7.
[3] Matthew 25:31-40.
[4] Matthew 5:41.
[5] John the Baptist referred to tax collectors' common practice of cheating people when he told them not to do so (Luke 3:12-13).

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the joy your salvation brings. I praise you for the joy and hope my salvation has brought to me. Please empower me with your Spirit to produce the fruit of repentance, a life that blesses others and brings glory to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 2:37-42
  • Acts 3:17-21
  • Acts 17:30

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 19:8-9 NLT — "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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