Luke 19, Part 1

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Observation: The story of Zacchaeus. Jesus comes into Jericho, where a rich man named Zacchaeus is anxious to see Him. Zaccheaus is chief tax collector, hated among his people because he's an extortionist. He desperately wants to see Jesus but can't see over the crowd, because he's short. So he climbs a sycamore tree that's on the path Jesus is taking. Jesus calls out to Zaccheaus as He walks by (He knows Zacchaeus's name!) and tells Zacchaeus he must stay with him. The crowd grumbles because Jesus chooses to stay with a sinner, but Zacchaeus is thrilled. Such is his joy that he tells Jesus he will give half his possessions to the poor and make restitution to those he's wronged, giving back four times what he's cheated. Jesus proclaims that salvation has come to Zacchaeus's house, a son of Abraham. Jesus came to seek the lost.

Application: Here we have a rich man who got through the eye of the needle! But he didn't do it on his own. Jesus transformed him from the inside out. Jesus loved Zacchaeus when the whole world hated him. Because of this, Zacchaeus experienced salvation through faith. Therefore, I cannot judge anyone whether they can be saved or not. Jesus knows our hearts; I don't. I need to love the way Jesus loved, and let that love do the transforming.

Prayer: Father, it's in my nature to judge whether someone will accept You and let You change their lives. How wrong that attitude in me! Forgive me for trying to decide who is worthy of hearing the Gospel. Your truths are available to everyone, and everyone must be given the opportunity to hear. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to hear and obey. In Jesus' holy name I pray, Amen.