Chapter 16

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector by profession and he was wealthy. The Bible does not mention his height, but he was said to be “small in stature.” He had to climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus who was passing through Jericho. Jesus noticed him, ordered him to get down, and he had dinner at his home. The people were not happy because they attributed his wealth to be the product of corruption. Zacchaeus pledged to give half of his belongings to the poor.

“And Jesus said to him, “Today” salvation has come to this house, since he is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” Luke 19:9-10.

Jezebel was furious with Elijah upon hearing from King Ahab that he had eliminated 850 false prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.

“Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 1 Kings 19:2.

Solomon’s message is that family feuds are especially traumatic and difficult to remedy, therefore they should be avoided.

“A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” Proverbs 18:19.

Samson was betrayed by his lover Delilah who shaved off his hair which was the source of his strength. He was captured and ridiculed by the Philistines who brought him to the temple of their god Dagon. Samson prayed to God and his strength was restored. He pushed against the two columns and the roof of the temple collapsed killing him and more than 3000 Philistines.

Saint Stephen was accused of blasphemy and he was the first Christian martyr.

“And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he has said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60.

Not much is heard from Saint Joseph in the Bible. God often communicated with him while he was sleeping, and his submission to God was complete and absolute.