Well Done! (Luke 19)
Journey with Jesus to the Cross (Wednesday, April 6)
Read Luke 19
The first is Jesus’ famous encounter with Zacchaeus. It is as if Luke wants us to give us a final reminder of some of the key characteristics of Jesus' ministry: his identification with the outsider; his re-prioritization of wealth; his propensity for festive meals; and his mission to “seek and to save the lost” (10).
Zacchaeus is a living example of the lost sheep/coin/son stories. When Jesus surprised everyone – especially Zacchaeus – by saying, “I must go to your house,” he was embodying the truth of those stories. Jesus seeks out lost people.
Others had rejected Zacchaeus, but Jesus had accepted him. His life was never the same afterward, reminding us that while Jesus’ love accepts as we are, it doesn’t leave us where we are. His love transforms us, just as it did Zacchaeus.
Unlike the Rich Ruler in the previous chapter, Zacchaeus put his money where his mouth was: he gave away half his goods when he decided to follow Jesus. His life was utterly transformed. He was, as Jesus said, a true son of Abraham.
The second episode is the parable of the King and his Servants. As the last event before Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, we know Luke had a specific reason to record it here. What was it? Was it simply to give a picture of the last judgment when Jesus returns? Not likely, though of course, it may very well have that as a secondary application, as is often the case in Scripture.
Its primary meaning is most likely this: Jesus is using the parable to make the point that he is the rightful ruler who is now returning home to Jerusalem. He will settle all accounts. He will restore order. He will assume his rightful place as King. In fact, if we read the parable carefully in the light of Jesus’ cultural context (e.g., Malachi 3:1), Jesus is making a a claim to be God himself returning to Israel.
Much to our surprise, we discover that hidden within Jesus’ messianic mission is a deeper, more profound truth: in Jesus, the God of Israel is returning to Jerusalem. He will finally set things right. This is why he immediately clears the temple upon entering the city. In order for New Creation to become a fixed reality on earth, there must first be judgment.
Jesus has warned them that judgment was coming. This parable is telling them that when God visits his people, he will sort out the servants who have been irresponsible with his master’s money. When he arrives, all accounts will be settled.
Perhaps it would be more accurate to say this: when God arrives, there will be hell to pay – only the one who pays is the last person you’d ever expect. And this will be the most shocking development of all.
"Lord, thank you that your love accepts me as I am, but doesn’t leave me there. May your love transform me, just as it did Zacchaeus. And when it does, help me to be faithful with the resources you’ve given me, so that I, too, can hear you say to me, ‘Well Done.’"