Primary Bible Stories for This Week
Luke 19 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Primary & Secondary Memorization
The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.
Central Questions
God created us to look after the earthly gifts He has given to us and our neighbors. What kind of things do all people on earth need for their well-being? What are some ways that I can help to protect and care for the earthly goods of my neighbor?
God commands us to speak truthfully and lovingly about our neighbor so that others view them in the best possible light. What are some ways by which a person’s reputation is damaged in our society? Who in my life or community needs me to speak well of them?
Secondary Bible Passages for This Week
7th Commandment
2 Cor. 8:7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.
Ephesians 4:28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
1 John 3: 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?
8th Commandment
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
and favor is better than silver or gold.
Ephesians 4: 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
1 Peter 4: 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Corinthians 13: 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.