Sunday Series - Faithful & True - Dealing with Selfish People

Selfish people are ungrateful people. They demand much of others, while excusing themselves. On the other hand, unselfish people require less of others and more of themselves.

In Luke 11:29-54 Jesus called the people of his day an evil generation that seeks a sign. Why?

1. They wanted God to demonstrate to them in the way they wanted.
2. They didn't want anything required of them.
3. They wanted things to be given to them.
4. They refused to believe until they got the sign they wanted.

Jesus then spoke about several people. The queen of the south journeyed from a long distance to hear the words of Solomon. She received her request. The men of Ninevah weren't looking to repent, but when they were shown the way, they were receptive.

On the other hand, a Pharisee asked Jesus to dinner. Right away, the Pharisee starts having critical thoughts in his heart. He's looking for trouble instead of being excited and grateful that Jesus came to dinner. He didn't express himself out loud, but Jesus dealt with the situation openly. He didn't ignore the issue.

Then there's Zacchaeus. We're told he was a chief tax collector and very rich, which means he was taking more taxes than he should from the people. Tax collectors were considered great sinners back then. Zach is not a very tall fellow, so he runs ahead of the crowd because he wants to see Jesus. He climbs a tree, so he'll get a good view.

Jesus stops and calls to him. "Hey, Zach, come on down. I'm staying at your house today." Zach is so excited that he shimmies down the tree and receives Jesus with joy. Now, the folks around him aren't too happy. They murmur about Jesus hanging out with tax collectors and sinners. At dinner, Zach tells Jesus he'll return all the money he's taken unlawfully with interest.

Selfish people will try to pull you down. Jesus didn't tiptoe around them. He stirred the pot to bring the heart issues to the surface.

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