For August 24, 2026
Always In Focus by Greg Holmes, D.MIN – Director of Missions serving 17 churches
CLOSELY LINKED in Luke’s gospel is the story of a short tax collector so eager to see Jesus that he climbs a tree to see over the crowd, and the following distressing prophecies of Jesus. It seems an odd pairing to make, this story of Zacchaeus counterposed against Jesus’ dire prophecies and cautions of end-time events. Both occur in Luke’s fateful rendition of Jesus’ activities during the Passion Week. Jesus spent much of his time going in and out of the Holy City, teaching near the Temple during the day, and returning to Bethany in the evenings; the days are filled with tension, so by nightfall he needs rest.