Welcome to Purpose Press!

Twenty years ago, we set out to create resources that would provide meaningful tools for a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing closer to God.

On our “testimonies page,” you will find actual testimonials from Christians who have used some of the books and resources that we have created at Purpose Press. You are our audience. We are hoping to provide tools for a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing closer to God designed specifically for those looking to take the next step in their journey with God.

Throughout the Bible, the evidence of actual witnesses to the ministry and mission of Jesus was paramount to sharing the Good News of the Kingdom. Just as it was critical that witnesses of the resurrection be trustworthy, we felt it necessary to share with you the stories of those who have engaged with the resources developed by Purpose Press.

One of our central goals at Purpose Press is not only to help you find tools for a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing closer to God, but also to help you share your journey with God and your hope in Him with your family and friends. After all, hope is not ours to possess in this moment.  Hope grows in the lives of our children, our grandchildren, and our friends. True hope springs from the soil that we have tilled during our journey through this land into a future that reaches beyond us. Yet often, too often, hope can quickly be reduced to a comfort I wish to secure for myself.  And, cheapened by my selfishness, hope perishes like a tender seedling robbed of light.

Consider for a moment the story of Zacchaeus that is found in Luke 19. It starts unintentionally. Jesus was not planning on staying in Jericho, but was simply passing through on his way to Jerusalem for the final time.

Until He sees a man named Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was not particularly popular in his town, despite being wealthy. The problem was how he had obtained his wealth. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, someone who collected taxes from his Jewish neighbors for the Roman occupation. And sometimes, these tax collectors would take more than Rome required. In the Gospels, they are often lumped in with “sinners.”

Yet, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. However, we read in Luke that he was not able to see Jesus enter town because he was short in stature. However, his height was only part of the reason he cannot see Jesus. The real reason is that no one will let him get close enough. If you have ever been to a crowded parade, you have probably seen parents hoist their children onto their shoulders so they can see above the adults standing in front of them. In essence, Zacchaeus cannot see Jesus because no one will let him. So Zacchaeus takes matters into his own hands and climbs a sycamore tree.

Zacchaeus does not necessarily expect Jesus to see him, nor does it seem he is trying to get his attention. He just wants to see…. So why does Zacchaeus want to see Jesus?

Zacchaeus knew he was hated in his community, an outcast. Maybe he hoped that this Jesus was different. Perhaps he heard that Jesus had associated, and had even eaten with tax collectors and sinners, like him.

Remember, Jesus is passing through Jericho. But when Jesus sees Zacchaeus perched in the tree along the road, He calls out to him. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but did not necessarily expect to be seen by Jesus. Now, Zacchaeus has to decide if he is going to respond to Jesus. And he seized the opportunity.

Zacchaeus came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. He showed hospitality to Jesus, and other folks in town saw what had happened. After all, there was a crowd around Jesus; which is why Zacchaeus was in the tree to begin with. When the crowd saw Jesus heading to Zacchaeus’ home, they complained. And then, we see a dramatic change in Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus, quite on his own, told Jesus that he would donate half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had defrauded four times the amount he stole from them. Jesus does not command Zacchaeus to do this. Instead, Zacchaeus gives… generously. But notice this. Zacchaeus does not give to Jesus. Instead, he gives to those Jesus cares about.

Our encounters with Jesus change how we live and how we give to the world around us. The story of Zacchaeus is not about what Jesus wanted from Zacchaeus. It was about what Jesus wanted for Zacchaeus.

Jesus came to seek and save, and He found Zacchaeus. And, He has been seeking you and me as well. Will we stay in the tree and watch from a distance or climb down and invite Jesus into our homes. He has blessed us to be a blessing.

This is something we endeavor to do at Purpose Press, to create tools for a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing closer to God, to help others to be better prepared to help those who are still hiding in their sycamore trees. You can learn more about these study resources at purpose-press.store. There you will find additional resources, including prayer journals and books for children.

We hope these tools for a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing closer to God will help you with your walk with God and be a great benefit for your family and friends. We also invite you to join us on our mission to create tools for a deeper understanding of the Bible and growing closer to God. On our website , you will find an opportunity to become partners in our ministry through one-time or monthly gifts. For more information, just fill out our form on our “Contact Us” page. Thank you for your support as we seek to share the teachings and life of Jesus with the world.