The Greatest Success Ch: 5

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Questions and Answers

What role did Zacchaeus primarily take on within his farming operations?

He managed the warehouses and accounts.

He oversaw all shipping operations.

He focused on developing new farming techniques.

He frequently traveled between farms to support farm stewards. (correct)

How did Zacchaeus feel about his work?

He felt overwhelmed by it.

He despised it.

He was indifferent.

He loved it. (correct)

What significant behavior did Zacchaeus exhibit during the evening meal?

He seemed unusually silent and distracted. (correct)

He spoke continuously about his day.

He discussed future plans in detail.

He expressed anger over the farm issues.

What prompted Zacchaeus to finally express his feelings to Joseph?

Joseph remained silent until Zacchaeus opened up. Signup and view all the answers

What physical features did Zacchaeus highlight as he spoke about his self-perception?

His large head and baldness. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Zacchaeus give for not wanting to marry?

He believes he is ugly and incomplete. Signup and view all the answers

What does Zacchaeus fear regarding Leah's feelings towards him?

She may only want to marry him for financial security. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs four years after Zacchaeus and Leah's marriage?

They move into a palace. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the ivory rattle given to Zacchaeus for his son?

It was a representation of lost hopes. Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Zacchaeus express when he describes the tiny bird inside the ivory cage?

Compassion. Signup and view all the answers

How does Zacchaeus react to the death of his son and Leah?

He isolates himself from the world. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph think of Zacchaeus after years of friendship?

He considers him a giant in character. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of Zacchaeus's financial status as portrayed in the passage?

He is very successful and profitable. Signup and view all the answers

What does the author imply about the nature of true love through Zacchaeus's feelings for Leah?

True love transcends physical appearance and wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Joseph mean by saying he has never told Zacchaeus an untruth?

He is always honest with him. Signup and view all the answers

What physical characteristic of Pontius Pilate contributed to his image of authority?

His polished breastplate Signup and view all the answers

How does Zacchaeus describe the source of his wealth?

The land and loyal people who farm it Signup and view all the answers

What compliment does Pontius Pilate give to Zacchaeus during their conversation?

His impressive palace and warehouse Signup and view all the answers

What did Pilate decline to do concerning Zacchaeus's offer?

Visit for two or three days Signup and view all the answers

What quality does Pilate display in his interaction with Zacchaeus?

Respect for experience Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's primary purpose for visiting Zacchaeus?

To appoint him as the chief publican Signup and view all the answers

How did Zacchaeus respond to Pilate's proposal?

He was shocked and refused the offer Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of Zacchaeus that Pilate acknowledged?

His honesty and wisdom in business Signup and view all the answers

Pilate's demeanor during the conversation was primarily characterized by which attribute?

Impatience and scorn Signup and view all the answers

What historical event did Zacchaeus reference when discussing the walls of the city?

The Battle of Jericho Signup and view all the answers

What did Zacchaeus imply about the collection of taxes from his people?

It causes resentment and hatred Signup and view all the answers

What was Pilate's reaction to the idea of the Temple's needs?

He was indifferent toward it Signup and view all the answers

What rationale did Pilate provide for choosing Zacchaeus for the tax collector role?

His competence and honesty Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Zacchaeus running the Temple tax have on him personally?

It would ruin his relationships with his people Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception about publicans did Zacchaeus highlight?

That they are all dishonest Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Zacchaeus and Joseph's Relationship

Zacchaeus and Joseph are close friends and business partners.
Zacchaeus is a wealthy farmer with a vast empire; Joseph is a skilled bookkeeper and manager.
They dine together every evening and discuss their business.
Zacchaeus is a hard worker and loves his job.
Joseph admires Zacchaeus greatly.

Zacchaeus's Self-Doubt

Zacchaeus is deeply insecure about his physical appearance, particularly his small stature.
He confides in Joseph about his feelings of inadequacy and his desire for a wife.
He fears that no woman would love him for who he is, only for his wealth and status.
Joseph reassures Zacchaeus that Leah, Jonathan's daughter, sees him as a good and talented man.

Zacchaeus and Leah's Marriage

Zacchaeus and Leah marry within a year.
They build a palace together.
They experience a period of sorrow when their son is born stillborn and Leah dies during childbirth.
Zacchaeus retreats from the world for a year after the tragedy.

Zacchaeus's Renewal and Charitable Works

Zacchaeus emerges from his seclusion and resumes his business activities.
He decides to honor the memory of his son by throwing a birthday party for all children in Jericho.
He also decides to have the city walls painted white.
The party is a great success, and Zacchaeus takes great joy in witnessing the children's happiness.
Zacchaeus continues to hold the party for children every year, and the city walls are repainted annually.

Joseph and Zacchaeus's Lasting Friendship

Joseph eventually moves into the palace with Zacchaeus.
Their relationship strengthens over time, and they age together like two pines on a mountaintop, shaped by the same forces.

The Roman Procurator's Visit

The text ends with an unexpected visit from the Roman procurator of Judaea.
The nature of his visit is not explained, but it suggests a potential shift in the story's direction.

Pontius Pilate and Zacchaeus

Pontius Pilate, the procurator of Judaea visits Zacchaeus, the wealthiest man in Jericho
Pilate inquires about Zacchaeus' wealth and his knowledge of the Syrian merchant Ha'ad
Pilate is impressed with Zacchaeus' palace and warehouse but doesn't need to see his farms
Pilate states Zacchaeus pays taxes to both Caesar and God
Pilate is unusual for making a social call in Judaea; he typically prefers to stay in Caesarea
Pilate remarks on the whitewashing of Jericho's walls and suggests Jerusalem could do the same
Zacchaeus dismisses the need for ornamentation as the Temple and God are present
Pilate notes the Roman fortress Antonia is in Jerusalem and Zacchaeus acknowledges it
Pilate's centurion, Marcus Crispus, informs Zacchaeus about the illness of the chief tax collector, Samuel
Zacchaeus expresses his appreciation for Samuel and considers him honest, faithful and respectful
Despite Zacchaeus' initial rejection of the position, Pilate appoints him the chief publican of Jericho
Pilate justifies his decision by stating that Zacchaeus is an honest, wise, wealthy man, who would not be swayed by money
Zacchaeus explains that tax collecting is a repugnant occupation and that it is difficult to seek God's forgiveness for such work
Pilate counters that Zacchaeus would be a more ethical collector than others and help improve the lives of the people.
Zacchaeus eventually accepts the position and sets about reforming the tax collection system
Zacchaeus suffers through his responsibilities and longs to be with his deceased wife, Leah
Zacchaeus unexpectedly climbs a sycamore tree and the consequences of this change the rest of his life.

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Description

Explore the complex friendship and business partnership between Zacchaeus and Joseph. Delve into themes of self-doubt and love as Zacchaeus navigates his insecurities and ultimately finds a partner in Leah. This quiz examines the emotional depths and significant events in their lives.