Luke 19:1-10

Be still: May I stop and pause to reflect on your goodness and mercy that’s new every morning. Thank you that we’re all equal before the Cross. Amen   

Read: Luke 19:1-10

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. (v4)

Encounter: I remember reading this passage as a child thinking how I would feel if Jesus invited himself to my house for dinner. I imagine my mum would be in a panic cleaning, I would get my best outfit ready, we would put out the fanciest tableware. We'd want to impress Jesus with our hospitality.

Perhaps as adult christians, we might still think we should impress Jesus.

Jesus invited himself as a guest in a sinner's house. There was no time to tidy or set out a feast, but this man was wealthy and could have brought out the best fattened calf to impress. But Jesus wanted to sit with Zacchaeus just as he was. 

The powerful, life-changing encounter with Jesus, prompts Zacchaeus to give half his possessions to the poor and to return all the money he had embezzled — fourfold!  He counts his wealth worthless when confronted with Jesus. In an instant, he turns to repentance, not just saying sorry but putting his words into action. He only desires now to be with Jesus.  

Zacchaeus was an outcast in Jewish eyes, his wealth his only worth. But Jesus calls him by name saying 'you are mine'. It completely rewires his identity and purpose. He’s fully known and accepted. Jesus loved him and set him apart before Zacchaeus cleaned up his act or did anything impressive — that’s the beauty of grace. 

Jesus states his mission is to save the broken and the lost. No person, no matter their social standing, political preference, past mistakes, is beyond redemption. It is always available through Jesus.   

Apply: Knowing we don’t need to impress Jesus or others, what does it look like to approach God’s throne today as your broken self and let him in? How can you live differently knowing no person, including yourself, is too broken for Jesus. 

Devote: Lord, give me eyes to see myself and others the way you see them. Take away any need to impress, trusting you know and love me as I am.