I’ve been preparing a sermon for this coming Sunday. It’s Reformation Day and the word I’m preaching on is from Luke’s gospel (Luke 19:1-10) about the story of Jesus’s encounter with Zaccheus, the tax collector who everyone despises. Since Zaccheus is ‘short in stature,’ he climbs up a tree to see Jesus as Jesus passes through Jericho. Jesus calls Zaccheus down from the tree and invites himself to dinner at Zaccheus’s house.
This has nothing to do with the point you are making - which is a good one, and thank you for that, because I am also preaching on Zacchaeus - but the text doesn't actually say whether it's Zacchaeus or Jesus who's short. Look at it. We assume Jesus is "tall, dark and handsome" and Zacchaeus' height matches his moral standing, but the text is ambiguous. Just a fun fact.
I consider myself an EpiscoLutheran:) As a liturgy geek, whenever I go out of town on Sundays, I ALWAYS go to Episcopal churches and always feel at home. What a lovely space you have there, Robin. Thanks for sharing.
Very good insightful point, Jonas!
A timely reminder.
It's a great sermon on reformation. And no one ever changed their shady ways by shaming.
Ain't that the truth, Lori!
This has nothing to do with the point you are making - which is a good one, and thank you for that, because I am also preaching on Zacchaeus - but the text doesn't actually say whether it's Zacchaeus or Jesus who's short. Look at it. We assume Jesus is "tall, dark and handsome" and Zacchaeus' height matches his moral standing, but the text is ambiguous. Just a fun fact.
Hmm... Got me thinking now, Robin! Where will you be preaching?
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Quakertown, PA
I consider myself an EpiscoLutheran:) As a liturgy geek, whenever I go out of town on Sundays, I ALWAYS go to Episcopal churches and always feel at home. What a lovely space you have there, Robin. Thanks for sharing.