Notes: Oct. 21, 2021

Parable of Barren Fig Tree

We are given mercy, however, if nothing changes, there will still come a judgment that ends up in us being condemned. God's not going to change his rules just for us.

Context

Talks about two instances

1. Some people go to sacrifice, Pilate kills them for some reason. Are they sinners above everyone else? No. You need to repent, or else you will perish.
2. Some people build a tower, it collapses and kills 18 people. Were they the worst sinners? No. You need to repent or else you will perish.

Then leads into the parable about repentance.

Parable of Unjust Steward

Steward - in charge of business affairs of the rich man

Rich man heard accusations that his steward was wasting his goods.

"What am I hearing? What are you doing with my money. I need an accounting, and you may get fired."

Steward: "What do I do? I can't (won't) dig; I would be ashamed to dig. What do I do?"

"I know, I'm going to lower the debt of some debtors in order to gain friends"

Secretly works with the debtors to change their contracts, establishes two friends.

The rich man commends the steward for his wisdom, not for his dishonesty. He commends him for his prudence in acting quickly to make the best of his situation.

Sometimes the children of the world do a better job of planning for the future than the children of Light.

While it is important to trust God, we need to plan out our salvation and not just let the world take its course in us.

Therefore, make friends for yourself in this world, maybe using money (mammon) in order to have peace in this world. Let God take care off the judgement.

If we are faithful in worldly things, we will be faithful in greater things.

Parable of Rich Man & Lazarus

Rich man is often referred to as "Dives".

Rich man lives richly, poor man lives poorly.

Both die, Lazarus goes to Abraham, rich man goes to hell.

Rich man wants Lazarus to go and warn his kin.

"There have been many prophets who have warned you and them, you haven't listened. Why would they listen to one who was raised from the dead?"

Don't procrastinate the day of your repentance.

Zacchaeus

Jesus heads up to Jerusalem through Jericho.

Z-guy was lead publican, very rich. Wants to see Jesus, too short. Climbs a tree, may seem silly, but he doesn't care. He wants to see Jesus!

He doesn't care about the crowd, what they may think, how he may look. He wants to see Jesus!

Jesus calls him down from the tree and invites himself to Z-guy's house. Z-guy is happy to have him.

Everyone thinks Jesus is eating with the chief of the publicans!

Z-guy gives 1/2 his income to the poor, refunds 4x what he takes dishonestly.

Lessons

Z-guy goes out on a limb to see Jesus.

"Disposition of the heart is symbolized by the disposition of pessesions.

We shouldn't judge a man by his profession.

Don't let others stand in your way to God.

Are you ready to be a "fool for Christ" like Z-guy? Or does the crowd hold you back?