Daily Devotional – Tuesday, January 4, 2022
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10 (NKJV)
When Jesus went to Jericho and ate at Zacchaeus’ house, many people complained about Jesus, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7).
Was Zacchaeus a sinner? Were these accusations true? Zacchaeus and his fellow tax collectors were abhorrent sinners in Jewish society. These employees of the imperial Roman government exploited fellow Jews in the process of collecting taxes.
How, then, could the righteous Rabbi eat with such detestable individuals. Jesus reply summarizes His mission on earth. “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10).
Why Do You Eat and Drink With Tax Collectors and Sinners?
In the eyes of God, Zacchaeus, the sinner, was a precious child in need of love and forgiveness. It did not matter the sins the tax collector had committed. For him and his type, Jesus had left heaven to offer Himself as a sacrifice.
Earlier, Jesus had been the guest at a feast prepared by yet another tax collector – Levi Matthew. On this occasion, the scribes and Pharisees complained against Jesus and asked, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” (Luke 5:30).
Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32). Jesus mingled with those who the Pharisees considered sinners and unworthy of love.
The LORD Is Near to Those Who Have a Broken Heart
Jesus is on the same mission today. He seeks out the sinful and repentant and converts them into saints. Those that the world has condemned as vile and irredeemable, He pursues, embraces and returns to the heavenly fold.
When we acknowledge that we are sick with sin and in need of salvation, the Lord draws near to us. As David says, “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalms 34:18).
Paul, on realizing His sinfulness and helplessness without Christ, confessed, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Only Acknowledge Your Iniquity
Today, God wants to save you from your sinful condition. However, He will do so on one condition, “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the LORD your God.” (Jeremiah 3:13).
Jesus came to seek and to save the lost like you. Is the Lord calling you to repentance over a cherished sin? Do you long for the peace that comes with forgiveness of sin? “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your heart.” (Hebrews 3:15).
Thank You Jesus because You came to save sinners like me. Forgive my sins and cover me with Your righteousness.
I apologize for the earlier version of this devotional which referred to Lazarus instead of Zacchaeus. It was an oversight.
Thankful for Jesus our savior..
Luke:15.2
…”This man recieves sinners and eats with them.”
I’m glad that Jesus was guilty of this accusation..He receives us who are sinful if we open our hearts and confess He’ll come in forgive us,save us.
We’d have no place today in our sinfulness it’s because of the amazing saving grace.
Amen. Charles.
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