Passages: Luke 19-21
Big Idea: Jesus is God’s promised King who came to seek and save the lost.
Ages: 5-7
Six lessons exploring Luke 19 to 21.
In Luke 19–21, we see clearly who Jesus is and why he came. He is God’s promised King, who came to seek and save sinners. God’s plan to save his people is through Christ alone. Jesus’ encounters with people in these chapters reveal a stark divide between those who see who Jesus is, who turn and follow him, and those who reject him.
In Luke 19, Jesus meets Zacchaeus, a tax collector who had cheated people and was disliked by many. Zacchaeus climbs a tree just to see Jesus, but it is Jesus who stops, calls him by name and goes to his house. Jesus seeks sinners before they seek him. Salvation begins with God’s grace. Zacchaeus responds with repentance, promising to repay those he cheated. His changed actions show that true faith leads to a changed heart. ‘For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.’ (Luke 19:10)
Later in Luke 19, Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The crowds praise him as King, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. The crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem as God’s promised King, would be the same crowds who’d soon turn against him and cry out for his death.
In the Parable of the Tenants, Jesus describes his rejection by the religious leaders (Luke 20:17). This rejection was foretold in Psalm 118, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’ The religious leaders understood that the parable was directed at them. They then went and did the very thing Jesus’ parable described.
At the beginning of Luke 21, Jesus notices a poor widow giving two small coins at the temple. Though others give large amounts, Jesus says she gave more because she gave all she had. She gave generously, entrusting God to take care of her needs. This widow is in stark contrast to Jesus' description of the scribes (Matthew 20:45-47). Their hypocrisy is exposed in that they take the very best for themselves, and do things for others to see and applaud. Jesus praises the widow and condemns the scribes.
Later in Luke 21, Jesus teaches about difficult times that will come and about his future return. There will be hardship and judgment, but God remains fully in control. History is not random; it unfolds according to God’s sovereign plan. Jesus promises that he will return; his people are called to be on their guard and not get distracted - to live ready for his return.
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