Sermon for Sunday November 2nd, 2025
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Lay Leader: Robert Sims
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Jesus wanted to show sinners that they weren’t condemned to be “bad” for the rest of their life and carry through to their descendants. What Jesus demanded was a heartfelt and soul wrenching beg for forgiveness. The stories we hear have to do with folks asking in just that manner.
Today’s story is just that! Zacchaeus was not tall and would get lost in the crowd that followed Jesus. Another layer that may go unnoticed to some is the inclusion of the type of tree. Sycamore trees have a slick bark and they “shed” like a paper birch. Climbing one is difficult. As a kid I tried. So not only was Zacchaeus eager to be seen, he had to climb a sycamore tree to make it happen. He clearly was making the effort.
PAUSE
Others made a unique effort with their quick wit based in faith. The woman they Jesus referenced as a dog. She piped with back with “even the dogs get the crumbs from the table.” Jesus noticed.
One of my favorites was the man sitting by a stilling pool. The thought at the time was if the water quivered, the next one in the water would be healed. Jesus showed up, (he was not yet so recognizable) approached the man that had never walked and was confined to a mat by the pool was asked – “What do you want?” He answered, “I want to walk” and Jesus healed him. I love that Jesus didn’t just indiscriminately heal everyone, they had to want it… and ask.
In sports, we see similar levels of effort. Not to be saved, but to be better at their sport. One of my favorite things to watch is the para-olympics. The Olympics are good. But I feel that the para community really shows the effort. I once watched a young woman with one-arm, and one leg swim in a race! That’s effort! I feel that this is the effort that Jesus is asking us to have.
In education, the same can be said. I think people that speak multiple languages have a similar level of commitment. I’ve tried, but am barely fluent in English. I’ve tried (and retained a little) from Spanish, German, Russian and American Sign Language. I have too many distractions to focus for that long and have failed at becoming fluent. I have tremendous respect for those speaking more than one language.
In short, reward (of many types) can only be attained with effort; whether it’s with body or with soul.
PAUSE
One of the worst things I feel like I face is complacency and routine. I’ve mentioned that have certain compulsive tendencies. I like routine and I like things to be the same. I often look for something – say creamer in the fridge and it’s not where we usually keep it. I’m learning to look before I ask Susan where it is. It might be one self away, but I don’t initially see it.
I remember the week Susan and I got married. In a 10 day period, I got married, started a new job and got a new phone plan. It may not seem like much, but for me it was huge. I remember telling people about it and laughing, but in reality, I was paying attention, noticing and acknowledging a fault in myself.
Zaccheaus goes all in on his effort by committing his financial resources to repaying his debtors for an assumed bilking and swindling. Imagine Zaccheaus’ joy when Jesus’ visited. He must’ve had his desire for repenting and held guilt in his heart, but Jesus’ appearance must have pushed into full on confession!
I know realize that I (and we) need to be careful of falling into a lull with ourselves and our Christianity. We need to be in constant evaluation of ourselves. Our keys are diligence in goodness, continued study, and maximum effort.
We’re hear to participate in one of our sacrements – Communion. Since we only have that and Baptism, this one is a big deal. The theologian Schilibeck referred to it as an encounter with God. I challenge us today to pause and really reflect on this. We are reconnecting with God, Jesus and his goals. Let us continue on our path to salvation.
Amen