Honesty in all Things

Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 19:11, 13; Luke 19:1-10, 45, 46

GOLDEN TEXT: “Thou shalt not steal.”—Exodus 20:15

OUR study continues consideration of the Ten Commandments and corresponding teachings in the New Testament. Today we consider the Eighth Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal.” In the passage from Leviticus, chapter nineteen, the additional thought is given, that dishonesty may be practiced without going to the extent of robbery. The exhortation is against all false dealings—any course which would result in defrauding one of his due. Here we have a reminder that the substance of the Law as it affects the relations between men, is to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

This was to control in the employment of a laborer and insure that he be paid every day—his wages not held even over night because he might be in need of them. The principle is the same today, though it is not now customary to pay labor daily. But one who employs should be solicitous for the comfort and welfare of his employees, and should see to it that he treats his employees as he would wish to be treated, if their positions were reversed.

In the first ten verses of Luke, chapter nineteen, an incident is given in Jesus’ journey from Jericho to Jerusalem, just prior to His crucifixion. Multitudes were journeying in the same direction, going up to the Feast of the Passover. As always, Jesus was the center of attraction; all wanted to see and hear Him of whom we read, “never man spake like this man.”—John 7:46

Zacchaeus, a rich man of the vicinity, was one of those whose curiosity was aroused to see Jesus, of whom he had heard much. He had accepted a minor office under the Roman Government; he was a tax collector for the Romans—a publican. On this account he was despised, and declared to be disloyal to Judaism.

Small of stature, Zacchaeus was unable to see Jesus because of the crowd. He therefore ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree, that he might have a good view of Jesus as He passed that way. Little did he realize that the Master knew him and had read his heart and perceived in it honesty, and hence, he was to be greatly honored. When Jesus came where Zacchaeus was, He looked up at the publican, called him by name and told him to come down at once, for He must be his guest. The summons was gladly received by Zacchaeus, but no doubt the whole circumstance would displease the Pharisees, and we are told that murmuring arose because of Jesus being a guest of one so unorthodox and sinful as a publican was considered to be.

The murmuring must have been heard by Zacchaeus, also, for, seemingly, he addressed the Lord in self-defense, as though urging that these charges against him should not hinder the Master from coming into his home, and intimating his desire of heart to be all that he ought to be and could be. He said: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation I restore him fourfold.” Thus did Zacchaeus intimate his devotion to God and to righteousness, and his acceptance of Jesus as his Lord, his Teacher.

How did the Lord receive this? He replied to Zacchaeus, “This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham.” From the Lord’s standpoint all the sons of Abraham were eligible to discipleship. The thing required was an honest confession of imperfection, a turning from sin, a hearty acceptance of Christ and an endeavor to walk in His steps.

Unquestionably this same principle still applies, regardless of what men may think or say to the contrary. The Lord is willing to receive the humble and repentant. No longer is it necessary to be of the natural seed of Abraham, in order to be acceptable as disciples of Jesus. The middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile has been broken down, as Paul explains. (Eph. 2:11-22) All who have the faith of Abraham may be counted in as children of Abraham by becoming related to the divine plan as disciples of Jesus.—Gal. 3:16,28,29

This section of our lesson closes with our Lord’s words, “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.” (Luke 1.9:10) Although the race, one and all, shared the sentence of death pronounced in Eden, it has pleased God to provide two different salvations from this curse of death. Both salvations are based upon the great sacrifice which was consummated at Calvary. The first of these salvations is for the church class, called out of the world during this Gospel age, called to a change of nature—from human to spiritual.

The second salvation belongs to the Millennial age, during which Messiah Kingdom will control the affairs of earth and Satan will be bound. Now the Lord invites members of Adam’s race to become His followers and to make a full consecration to do His will and to follow His precepts. But then, the righteous laws of His Kingdom will be enforced as we read, “Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.”—Isaiah 28:17; 26:7-9

Whether in this age or the next, God desires the devotion of those who worship Him in spirit and in truth. Finally, all who do not learn to thus worship Him will fail to obtain salvation.

QUESTIONS:

How should the commandment, “Thou shalt not steal,” affect the relationship between employers and employees?

Why was Zacchaeus disliked by the Pharisees? and why was Jesus drawn to him?

What does the Lord look for in the lives of those whom He calls to walk in the Narrow Way?

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