The National tribune., 1895-03-07
SUNDAY MEDITATION.

A Study Of the International Sunday
School Lessen Appointed for March
II, 1895.
Subject. Jesus and Zaccheus. st. Luke. 10
Zone reading these notes should Erst carefully
study the paragraph from the Holy Scriptures ~
indicated above.l
INTRODUCTION.
Every paragraph we study has its own diAi-
culties The Bible Is of interest in that it sets
the reader to thinking. This paragraph has
received great attention. II hints at several
points without explaining in full, and 80 the
student is obliged to give himself up to rigid
thought. After much meditation he yet wants
to ask some questions as to the sequel Of the
story.
1. Data.
We have only this one account; to wit that
of st. Luke. Very likely Sts. Matthew and
John were present and yet thsy fail to mention
this incident We cannot ex plain what priuci-
pies were adopted by the Holy Spirit in the
process of revelation. He inserted or omitted
for good reasons. We are pleased that st. Luke
wrote the story of Zaccheus It's study will
be interesting and profitable. His Gospel was
written in Achaia, Greece, A. ID. 81. Pet,
1:21.
2. Time
The incident occurred A. d. 90, In the month
of March, 18th day. 1t is generally put in the
evening. the day being Friday. But verse
says, to-day Implying esrlinessl must abide
at thy house." The word "abide" implies
somew bat continued stay. We are probably to
understand Christ to say he wished to spend
the night at the house of Zsccheus. A Jewish
day began at evening. Abide" may mean
lodge or sleep. St John, /: 80. Doubtless
the idea of hospitality enters into the word and
is inclusive of refreshment. We sec Christ be-
came a guest at the house Of Zaccheus. v. T.
We notice the account was written A. ID.
81, or % years after the incidenE1,s3s years
ago.
The lesson il located in the western suburbs
of jericho. Christ was on way to Jerusalem
for his last visit there. V. /; ID: 80. This -
the only time that Jesus, SO far as we know,
ever visited Jericho The events connected
with Christ and that city the giving Of
sight to two blind men lone being Bartimeus)
and his entertain ment at the home of Zaccheus.
The city lay on the way from Bethabara Ton
the Jordan) to jerusalem.
Jericho and vicinity were noted in Christ's
day for palm trees and balsam gardens. That
section enjoyed therefore large trade.
Jericho Vas ancient city. We remember
how Joshua surrounded and captured it. Its
distance from Jerusalem was Is miles. Between
lay wild, desolate, dangerous territory. the
scene of the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
1t was one of the cities assigned for residences
of priests. At it's mention we recall Elisha and
the School of the Prophets.
4. Naechsts.
This is very interesting Bible character
He has been held up, before the world az .
model man in certain respects. Much Of
preaching has been suggested by this incident.
The paragraph has given rise to some very
knotty questions. bn.
pubican2 ,;-.r,,
Did he get the Office, because he was already
rich2
Was It curiosity otnwas IL sincere religious
concern that made him so eager to see Jesus2
How can we make his suudignifed conduct
comport with his pdstienf Running, climb
ing into a tree. etc. are nos very seemly acts in
O prominent official. "
How did Christ knSwths name of Zaccheus2
How can we account for Christ inviting HIM
self to be guest? 10
In what sense must Christ stop with Zac-1
eheus? V. 5. Was it a case of necessity
How sof Was it because the object Christ had
in view as to Zaccheus Decessitated such plan
to bring it about? 1t was not physical neccs-
sity. Was il a moral necessity 81
Does tlie word simmer" in V. mean lac
cbeus was GENTLE? In what sense Is the
word used? Does il mean Zacchens was con-
sidered an immoral man. or dishonest man ?
Did Zaceheus feel conscieuce-smitten because
be really had been guilty of numerous dis
honest acts3
Must we consider the words of Zacchsus as
big boast something after the Dragging tone of
the pharisce in the parable Of the Pharisee and
the Publcan2
How can we account for the third person
dramatically in verse 9, which, in strict ac-
cord as addressed to a person, should be in the
second person? Can We render unto" in re-
spect Of and so harmonic matters?
Was Zaccheus saved? Did he become
Christian? Does verse even imply that FAC
cheus was. subject Of savation2 Does not
salvation come TO every man as al offer which
may be accepted or rejected, or become g matter
of indifference
Outline Zaccheus.