Facing Christmas Challenges Luke 19:1-10

There are physical challenges. Zacchaeus was short. The crowd was big. He made extra effort to see Jesus. He found the route. He climbed a tree.

There are spiritual challenges. Jesus was very specific and demanding. He told Zacchaeus to come down. He told Zacchaeus to hurry. He invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Zacchaeus obeyed.

There are cultural challenges. Zacchaeus was popular, but became criticized. Zacchaeus was rich, but became generous. Zacchaeus followed Jesus, not the culture.

“And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead “And Jesus said to him, ‘Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” Luke 9:60

There are physical challenges to Christmas. What is your physical reason for not fully following Jesus? We need to get around our physical challenges. Jesus uses the physically challenged.

There are spiritual challenges to Christmas. God is very specific and demanding. He wants us put Him first in every area of our lives. He wants us to do it immediately. He wants everything.

There are cultural challenges to Christmas. You may have to give up popularity to follow Jesus. You may have to give up wealth to follow Jesus. You may be seen as strange to follow Jesus.