Tuesday 19th November
“Salvation comes to the house ofZacchaeus.”
Luke 19: 1-10
Why did everyone grumble and say that Zacchaeus was a sinner? Zacchaeus was rich because he was a chief tax-collector. Not only did he work for the hated Romans, who were occupying the country, he made his money by keeping a portion of the tax from his own people. But Jesus was not focused on the opinion of the people. He saw how Zacchaeus was unhappy and how he wanted to change. Zacchaeus gave up his pride and his status by climbing a tree in front of his neighbours. Then, when Jesus reached out to him and honoured him by staying at his house, Zacchaeus gave up his wealth out of gratitude for the privilege of being a friend of Jesus. Zacchaeus went from being an outcast in his community to being saved and being recognised as a descendant of Abraham.
What would we give up to come to know Jesus better? Would we give up the opinions of others, who might disagree with us? Would we leave behind our honours, riches and pleasures and welcome Him into our hearts as Zacchaeus did? Jesus is seeking us out and wants to save us and others from being lost