Comparing The Rich Ruler And Zacchaeus
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesFrom The Fellowship Room, yesterday’s Nudge was to note some differences and similarities between the keeper-of-rules ruler and Zacchaeus. The following statements consist of my response.
The following are some similarities between the rich ruler and Zacchaeus:
1) Both men were seekers of Jesus (Luke 18:18; Luke 19:2-3).
2) Both men were rich (Luke 18:23; Luke 19:2).
3) Both men were willingly receptive of Jesus (Luke 18:18; Luke 19:6).
4) Both men were seeking eternal life (Luke 18:18; Luke 19:8-10).
The following are some differences between the rich ruler and Zacchaeus:
1) The rich ruler was not willing to share his riches with others less fortunate (deny self – Matthew 16:24), in order to have riches in heaven and follow Jesus (Luke 18:22).
In contrast, Zacchaeus was willing to deny self and share his riches with those less fortunate and restore anything taken by false accusation (Luke 19:8).
2) The rich ruler was very sorrowful – but not to the point of sincerely repenting of his selfishness. His was a worldly sorrow (Luke 18:23; cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10).
In contrast, Zacchaeus was sorrowful to the point of sincerely repenting of anything amiss in his life – even to the point of restoring to individuals anything falsely taken. His was a godly sorrow (Luke 19:8-9; cf. 2 Corinthians 7:9-10).
One last observation: Zacchaeus possessed a humble disposition of mind whereas the rich ruler did not.