Kids’ News

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This Sunday, we learned about Zacchaeus! Do you remember the song about him? Vickie and I sure did, and we sang it with the kids!

But Zacchaeus wasn’t just a fun song—he was a real person with a big problem. Zacchaeus was a tax collector, which meant he collected money from people to give to the Roman government. But in those days, tax collectors were allowed to take extra money for themselves, and many of them did—including Zacchaeus. Because of this, most people didn’t like him.

One day, Jesus came to Zacchaeus’ town. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but there was a problem—he was too short to see over the crowd! So he did something unusual for a grown man—he ran ahead and climbed a tree. In those times, it wasn’t considered very dignified for an important man like Zacchaeus to run or climb trees, but he didn’t care. He just wanted to see Jesus!

Then something amazing happened. When Jesus reached the tree, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down right now. I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5) Everyone was shocked! Why would Jesus want to visit a tax collector?

But Jesus’ kindness changed Zacchaeus’ heart. Zacchaeus promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he had cheated—four times what he had taken!

At first, Zacchaeus seemed like the story’s hero because he made things right. But the real hero is Jesus. Jesus saw Zacchaeus for who he could be, not just who he had been. He reminded everyone that God’s love is for everyone—even those who have made mistakes.

What We Learned

  • Jesus loves and accepts everyone, no matter their past.
  • When we truly follow Jesus, it changes us for the better.
  • We should treat others with kindness and fairness.

Challenge for the Week: Find a way to show kindness to someone who may feel left out, just like Jesus did with Zacchaeus!

See you in church on Sunday!

Friday’s Word – “Bless Their Hearts”

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Ah!—now we know.

We’ve been so troubled, trying to make things make sense.

How could they do that?

Let children die in Africa.

End research on cancer in children.

Drastically cut aid to veterans.

Rob from the poor to give to the rich.

Side with the aggressor against the victim.

What, in the name of common decency, is wrong with them?

Then the Car Guy said it out loud. He told us what he is fighting against.

Empathy.

He said empathy is destroying civilization.

There is too much of it, he says.

Empathy is the ability to feel the pain of others.

It is the essence of love.

It is the heart of morality.

It is the foundation for the Golden Rule.

“Do unto others—”

When Car Guy said to get rid of empathy, I remembered.

These guys can’t feel the pain of those dying children because they are sociopaths.

Bless their hearts.

They can’t help it. That’s how sociopathy works. Look it up.

A chief trait is the inability to feel empathy for others.

So, stop expecting them to suddenly hear the cries of grieving mothers and change their ways.

Won’t happen.

They are not going to feel your pain.

Nor the pain of dying children.

But I can’t help wondering: Why are so many Christians attracted to sociopaths?

Looks like they would know better.

+++

Hey! Let’s do something good. Let’s go to church this Sunday.

Worship is at 11:00.

Max’s Corner

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Service for Jim Lee

Saturday, March 15, 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew
We will provide lunch for family and friends after the graveside. All are welcome at the service, whether you knew Jim or not.

Discovering God Class

Another great discussion last week! Everyone needs to know—and have a chance to discuss—the kinds of things we are learning in this class. The teachings of Jesus are verified here every week.
Class at 9:45. Breakfast after.

Breakfast this Sunday

This is a “Winston Sunday.” Feel free to help.
Breakfast is at 10:30.

Second Sunday of Lent

Mary preaches this Sunday. Kristi may well be back after her COVID spell. The choir will likely be back in the choir area.

Eyes on the Prize

There will be some misery and chaos for some time to come, but I don’t plan to keep my focus on it. For at any given moment, life is better than we can imagine it to be.

To live in this world—rough as it is from time to time—is an honor and a privilege. We are blessed to be here. And we are loved, watched over, and cared for.

Despite the national sorrow, we are called to trust and rejoice. This will be a wonderful and joy-filled year at St. Matthew.

Expect misery from Washington.
And nothing but amazing grace from our Lord Jesus Christ.

See you Sunday.
God Bless—MB

Give Thanks – We had a gracious and well-attended Ash Wednesday service—and a great meal before it. Thanks to all!