Tree or Pharisee - Jared McCormick
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a reading of Luke 19, focusing on Zacchaeus’s short stature, his determination to climb a sycamore tree, and his public vow to give half his possessions to the poor and repay any wrongdoing fourfold—a reference to the restitution laws in Exodus 22 and the penalty in 2 Samuel 12. The teacher highlighted Zacchaeus’s mixed reputation as a tax collector and used this to illustrate how societal rejection can motivate a deeper desire to see Jesus. From there, the discussion shifted to personal application: what each believer will do to "see Jesus" in the upcoming new year, emphasizing habits such as Scripture study, prayer, and worship. The speaker then expanded the concept to corporate responsibility, asking how Christians can act as sturdy trees that help others encounter Christ, referencing the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19‑20 and the Pharisee’s criticism of Jesus’ fellowship with sinners in Luke 5 and Luke 7. The message concluded that true discipleship requires both personal devotion and an active role in lifting others toward the Savior.
Key Scriptures
Look, Lord, here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.