A few things to take into account are that Jesus and Paul look to Abraham as the example of those who have faith and that salvation really required the entire Christ event, including his birth, entire life, death, and resurrection.

I believe in my heart and mind, that there is a definate difference between the sermons of Jesus BEFORE his crucifixion, and the real GOOD News and Gospel after his death on the Cross.

Now don’t get me wrong, as God is same, yesterday, today and forever.

But, the event of the cross, and the message, and the broadcasted TRUTH (John 8:32, John 14:6, John 18:37b) increased and grew in intensity, and access to SALVATION.

Interesting to ask, what then of this Rich Man and Zacchaeus? Could they have known, heard, and accepted salvation after Jesus was crucified?

Jesus, I will draw all men to myself if I be lifted up! (I paraphrase, and I need that verse quoted correctly and the number(s)))

Peace!

- Rich

2) cf. Jeremiah 4:4, 9:25-26

3) Interesting. Seems to parallel with the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 6:24-34. It is relevant because our current class discussions have been about the Sermon on the mount and the Kingdom of God. Are they high ideals we should strive to or something that we take a grace-based participation in. I listened to Watchman Nee today who had another interesting take on this: We died in Christ’s death, and out life after is Jesus living through us. As Jesus has been the only person to live up the the standards of the Kingdom of Heaven, and as he lives his life through us now, we take on the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, as opposed to our attaining it by our own merits.

4) The parable immediately following these stories that begins with “While they were listening to these things…” being the encounter with Zacchaeus, Jesus gives the parable of the three servants who were given talents to invest. This parable climaxes at verse 26 with “I tell you that everyone who has will be given more, but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.”

Not sure yet how they relate other than Jesus was wanting to withdrawal from the investment of the first man, who was unwilling. Zacchaeus was willing to give before even being asked. That being said, I am sure that it had more to do with the nature of their hearts, being that the first man may have been seeking to greater his own kingdom and power, and Zacchaeus was clearly humbled by Jesus.