Daily Devotional – Tuesday, September 21, 2021
…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
Why did Zacchaeus seek “to see who Jesus was?” (Luke 19:3). To his fellow Jews, Zacchaeus was a detestable traitor that no respectful person should associate with.
Perhaps Zacchaeus wanted to know why Jesus had accepted Matthew (a former tax collector) and made him one of the twelve apostles. If the Pharisees considered tax collectors as outcasts, who is this preacher who associated with these vile sinners?
Like any other human being, Zacchaeus thirsted for God and longed for acceptance, forgiveness and restoration. Maybe Jesus would fulfil this yearning. Now that Jesus was in Jericho, Zacchaeus would try his luck.
Heaven, on the other hand, was not caught unawares. The son of God was in Jericho “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus walked on that particular road and passed under that specific sycamore tree by design, not by accident.
To the surprise of the crowd that followed Him, Jesus summoned the most hated man in Jericho, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5).
Zacchaeus’ longing for mercy and approval had reached heaven. So important was this cry that God sent His own Son to rescue Zacchaeus.
The same Saviour walks among us today through the Holy Spirit. Jesus seeks to rescue those who acknowledge their sinfulness and helplessness without Him.
No human being is beyond God’s reach. All who call upon Him will find salvation. Wherever there are lost souls, Jesus will find a way to reach them.
Heavenly Father, like Zacchaeus, I long for your acceptance, forgiveness and restoration. Come and live in my heart today.
Zacchaeus was an unlikely candidate for salvation according to the Jews of his day. Why do you think Jesus responded positively to him? Leave a comment.
Because God is ready to forgive and receive anyone into His fold.
Well-said, Petronillah. That’s the wonderful God we serve.
Why would zaccheaus be surprised about Jesus accepting Mathew as his desciple?Who really was Matthew before the calling?
Good question, there, Eric. Matthew was a tax-collector before the became a disciple. I seem to have edited that part in the process of preparing this devotional. Thanks for our comment, bro.
I have fixed it now. Thanks
This is my humble prayer in Jesus name.
Amen, Pastor
Amen.
Hallelujah!