Reality San Francisco The Tree of Ridiculous Grace
Mar 30, 2026
Dr. David Bennett, theologian and Oxford postdoctoral fellow who preaches on Scripture, reads Luke 19 and uses Zacchaeus to explore radical, inclusive love. Short takes on why Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore, how Jesus sees desire not status, grace arriving before works, the crowd’s offense, and the call to plant sightlines so seekers can see Jesus.
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Grace Credited Before Moral Change
- Paulic theology frames salvation as justification of the ungodly, meaning grace is credited before moral change.
- David Bennett emphasizes blessing arrives over transgression, not after perfect obedience.
Offense At Unexpected Conversions
- Bennett admits he initially joined the murmuring crowd when Perez Hilton became a Christian, revealing how easily judgment arises.
- The Lord confronted him, showing grace extends even to those we despise culturally.
Come Down From The Tree Now
- If you're curious about faith, come down from the tree and let Jesus into your messy life rather than cleaning up first.
- Bennett reassures seekers that invitation precedes moral perfection: I must come to your house.