November 2, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Luke 18:15-43 - This section of this chapter gives Luke's inspired recollections of Jesus blessing the little children; the account of Jesus being approached by the rich young ruler; the rewards offered to Jesus' followers for their sacrifice in service; His foretelling of His death and resurrection; and, the healing of blind Bartimaeus.  Note verse 24 regarding how the rich find it very difficult to enter the kingdom of God since they obviously have already made riches their god.

Luke 19 - This is the only Gospel to present the encounter Jesus had with Zacchaeus.  This tax collector was short and had to climb a tree to see Jesus.  The Lord immediately called out to him by name and said He must come to his house that evening!  Zacchaeus was dumbfounded but welcomed Jesus in and showed the signs of salvation in his repentance.  When people criticized Jesus for meeting with such a man Jesus made it clear that He had "...come to seek and to save that which was lost" verse 11.  This chapter also speaks of the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the children praising Him as "...the King who comes in the name of the Lord" verse 38.