Where is the “hope?” In the way we use hope today, it more often expresses a wish or desire. It is a little more than wishful thinking. This is in sharp contrast to the hope of Jesus’ message. His message is profoundly . . . simple.
In this message, Pastor Brian describes what hope is. Because of Jesus, Christians become a completely future-oriented people. Their outlook is not conditioned by any present hardship or suffering. They are on their way “home.” They are destined for an existence in the presence of God.
Everybody needs a breakthrough. Zacchaeus was one of the most hated men in all of Israel because of his deceitful lifestyle. However, Jesus breaks through the social norms and prejudices of his day and demonstrates that anyone’s life can be transformed—even the life of Zacchaeus. In our brokenness, Christ picks us up, cleans us off, mends our brokenness, and shows the world what he can do with failed people.
