ZACCHAEUS, THE SYCAMORE CLIMBER
Read Luke 19: 1-10
Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
Luke 19:8 (NKJV)
Zacchaeus was a man short in stature. He figured that his only way to see Jesus was to get above the crowd into a tree. As Jesus passed that way, “he looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today. So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly” (Verse 5-6). There was much mumbling in the crowd about Jesus’s association with such a man. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and got very wealthy dishonestly. How could Jesus be a guest with a tax collector?
Furthermore, there is such contrast when we examine the experience of Jesus with Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler. Jesus asked the rich young ruler to sell what he had and give to the poor (Mark 17:21). Yet Zaccheaus, a tax collector, offered to give half of his possessions to the poor and make amendments, fourfold, for any wrongs he might have done. The rich young ruler was seen as a follower of God’s commandments all his life, while Zacchaeus was labeled a sinner. The wonderful truth is that Jesus came to earth to save sinners, including those who keep His commandments.
In the end, those who come in contact with Jesus don’t have to remain as they are. When we accept Christ, we can quickly identify our wrongs and, through His help, make them right. Jesus tells Zacchaeus, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Verse 9). I can’t imagine how Zacchaeus felt that day with Jesus as his guest. Luke 15:7 tells us, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Like Zaccheaus, let us start thinking and acting differently after meeting Jesus.
Prayer Focus: A New Life In Christ.
Prayer: Dear Father, help us to seek you with all our hearts and to do everything to create a better experience with you and others; in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for Today: Come To Know Jesus, And He Will Change Your Life.
Contributor: Ms. Nichole Shaw (Florida, United States)
Screen Editor: Mr. Wensley Dias
Editor: Mrs.Tyischa Belton