Today we are looking at “Going The Extra Mile.” What made Jesus take special interest in Zacchaeus? Out of all the people around him, how was he able to distinguish Zaccheus out?
The bible says there was a large crowd gathering to see Jesus. Jesus could have picked out anyone from the crowd and passed his message.
As a matter of fact, Zacchaeus was not the only tax collector in the region at that point in time.
So what really attracted him to the saviour?
Zacchaeus went an extra mile. Oh yes, he did.
Luke 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
He looked beyond his height and refused to be discouraged. He climbed a tree, all in a bid to see the saviour.
Dear children, be like Zacchaeus. Go the extra mile. Don’t settle for less. Don’t be mediocre in your approach to life, your academic pursuit and everything you find yourself doing.
Strive to be the best and God will send for you, Amen.
Prayer: Lord, help me to make amends where necessary.
Action Point: Are there areas you need to make restitutions? List them out.
Declaration: I am living for Jesus so I do things right!
This morning, I want to bring out one more lesson, on how to make restitution appropriately, from the story of Mr. Zacchaeus the tax collector.
To have a better understanding of what I am about to share, let us go to the beginning of the travails of Mr. Zacchaeus the tax collector.
Luke 19:1-3 [BBE] And he went into Jericho, and when he was going through it, A man, named Zacchaeus, who was the chief tax-farmer, and a man of wealth, Made an attempt to get a view of Jesus, and was not able to do so, because of the people, for he was a small man.
My point this morning is in verse three. The bible says he made an attempt to see Jesus. That was the beginning of his redemption.
He did not just stay at one point, wishing Jesus would come for him. He made an attempt.
Dear children, make that attempt today. Give that dream a shot. Leave your comfort zone and make that push.
What dreams do you have in mind for years? What ideas do you have unattended to? Speak to your parents today and make that attempt towards realizing that dream.
We are still learning how to make restitution appropriately, and we are still on the story of Mr. Zacchaeus the tax collector.
This morning, let us examine one more thing that made making restitution easy for him.
Luke 19:8 [TLB] Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “Sir, from now on I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I find I have overcharged anyone on his taxes, I will penalize myself by giving him back four times as much!”
One thing is evident here. He was sincere. He didn’t try defending what he had done. He wasn’t going to beat around the bush. He didn’t try to blame the system or the government, as some would have done.
Little children, God wants and expects you to be sincere. The moment you are at fault, admit it.
So I am posing this question to you this morning;
Have you wronged someone before?
Have you cheated on a friend?
Have you unjustly used someone before?
If you are still trying to justify why you did what you did, you haven’t gotten the drift yet.
Now is the time to make amends.
Walk up to that friend and do the needful. If you need to involve your parents or guardians, by all means, do.
May God strengthen you as you decide to do things right, Amen.
Prayer: Lord, help me to make amends where necessary.
Action Point: Are there areas you need to make restitution? List them out.
Declaration: I am living for Jesus so I do things right!
The dictionary defines restitution as the restoration of something lost or stolen to its proper owner. It can also mean recompense for injury or loss. Restitution can involve money being paid back in some cases.
Were there cases of restitution in the bible? Yes, and in the next few days, we will be looking at these cases one by one.
The first case we will be examining is the case of Mr. Zacchaeus
In the case of Zacchaeus, we see that his encounter with Jesus in Luke chapter 19 facilitated his restitution.
Luke 19:8 [TLB] Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “Sir, from now on I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I find I have overcharged anyone on his taxes, I will penalize myself by giving him back four times as much!”
This means you cannot totally make restitutions without meeting with Jesus.
So my first assignment is to lead you to Jesus if you’ve not met him.
Say after me;
Lord Jesus, I believe you came to the earth and that you died for me. I confess and I acknowledge you as my Lord and personal savior. Come into my life today. Come and reign over my affairs. I surrender my all to you this day. Thank you because I am now yours, amen.
As simple as that, you are now one with Christ.
Now, your journey to making restitution begins. Amen
Congratulations!
Prayer: Lord, help me to make amends where necessary.
Action Point: Are there areas you need to make restitution? List them out.
