Encounter: Zacchaeus

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 NLT

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Prayer:

Dear God,

Zacchaeus was known and despised as a ruthless tax collector, and he was obviously selfish with his wealth and without charity. Was he just curious about Jesus, or was he seeking to find him? Either way, he was full of excitement and joy when Jesus called out to him by name, inviting himself to Zacchaeus’ house. The encounter changed his life. He went from selfish to generous, from sinner to righteous, from lost to saved, and from despised by all to being called a true son of Abraham. Lord, thank you for giving everybody equal access to your salvation, and for the joy that comes from welcoming you.

Amen.

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