Luke 19:1-10 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.… From an attentive consideration of the distinct parts of this passage of St. Luke's Gospel, we may derive many useful truths and salutary reflections. 1. First, let us, like Zaccheus, have a view to the improvement of our minds in piety and virtue, even in the gratification of curiosity. Instead of flocking, with childish folly, to such trifling amusements as are unworthy of a rational being, we should endeavour to combine pleasure with instruction, and the employment of time with advantage. While thousands would have crowded with joy to see a pageant, a triumph, or the barbarous spectacle of Roman games, "Zaccheus ran and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see our Lord pass by"; and when He honoured him so far as to take up His abode with him for that day, he not only received Him joyfully, but, without doubt, listened to His conversation with reverence, and heard the glorious truths which His lips revealed with adoration and praise. "This day is salvation come to this house." 2. The hospitality of Zaccheus, and his great satisfaction on this occasion, may direct us also in the choice and entertainment of our friends. The common intercourses of the world are too often nothing but associations of pleasure or confederacies of vice. 3. We may further learn from our blessed Lord's conduct towards Zaccheus, to banish from our minds those uncharitable prejudices which so strongly marked the character of the Jews. (J. Hewlett, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. |
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