Episode Summary
In this episode of Witnessing Christ from the New Testament, Mark and Molly discuss Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12.
This podcast episode covers the following:
- Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12
- Jesus and Zacchaeus
- The Parable of the Wedding Banquet
- Questions about Marriage at the Resurrection
- Jesus Condemns Hypocrisy
- Receiving and Rejecting Jesus
Key concepts in this episode include:
- What brought “salvation” to Zacchaeus?
- What’s up with the crazy story of the wedding banquet?
- Why was the improperly clothed wedding guest cast out?
- Will there be marriage in heaven?
- What are we do to with Jesus’ warnings about hypocrisy?
Links & Resources
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Share the Truth in Love
Share this conversation starter with your LDS friend:
When I read about Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10, I’m struck by how the people despised him. As a chief tax collector, he was seen as a traitor to his own people, a greedy and dishonest man who took advantage of his position for personal gain. Yet, when Jesus saw Zacchaeus in a tree, he didn’t judge or turn him away. Instead, he invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house, shocking the people around them.
As Zacchaeus and Jesus spent time together, something miraculous happened. Zacchaeus repented of his sins and pledged to give half his possessions to the poor and repay those he had wronged four times over. And Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house.
I find hope in Zacchaeus’ story because it shows that no matter how far we’ve strayed from God or how despised we may be by others, there is always hope for redemption. Zacchaeus’ repentance wasn’t about earning salvation through good works but about responding to the grace of God. It was only through the power of the Holy Spirit that he was able to turn away from his sinful ways and begin living a new life.
Jesus’ willingness to associate with sinners and outcasts demonstrates the extent of his love and compassion for all people, regardless of their past. This gives me comfort, knowing that I, too, am loved by God, flaws and all.
