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Day 81 Luke 19:1-10 Luke 19:1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. What do you do when someone comes to town you want to see, but circumstances prevent you from taking part in something that means a lot to you? Jesus passed through Jericho, and as he did, he looked up into a tree and saw Zacchaeus, a short man who wanted to see Jesus but his stature prevented him, so he climbed a tree. When Jesus saw him, he told Zacchaeus he would eat at his home that day. Zacchaeus was so grateful for the honor of hosting Jesus in his home he vowed to give back all he stole from his fellow Jews when he collected taxes from them. When people see a prominent person doing something unconventional, they criticize everything the person does. It doesn’t matter whether the person is doing something beneficial, just the fact he did it brings harsh criticism. As soon as Jesus declared he was going to Zacchaeus’ home, he came under condemnation for the type of person Jesus chose to associate with and eat with. Zacchaeus was a tax collector and considered one of the worst sinners among the Jews because he collected more than he should and lined his pockets with the excess he gained from the taxes. Jesus’ motive for eating with Zacchaeus was more important than Zacchaeus’ occupation. He was there to bring salvation to Zacchaeus. Jesus declared his purpose was to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus was lost, but everything changed the moment Zacchaeus climbed down from the sycamore tree. Everyone who becomes a Christian, needs to do something before they accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. Zacchaeus had a need. He wanted to see Jesus. To do so, he needed to climb a tree. You need to admit you have a need and do everything you can to take care of that need. Zacchaeus then climbed down from the tree when Jesus said he would dine with him. You need to take the first step when Jesus makes his appeal to you. You must open the door. Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (KJV) Zacchaeus recognized his sin and confessed it. You need to confess your sin to Jesus to receive his forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV) Jesus declared salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ life. When you accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, he will declare your salvation before his Father in heaven. Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. All heaven rejoices over your salvation the moment you accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, confess your sin, and receive forgiveness from Jesus Christ. What the world thinks of your actions is of no consequence to the salvation of your soul and your eternal salvation. Are you like Zacchaeus, doing whatever it takes to know Jesus and receive his salvation? Let’s pray: Father, thank you for seeking me out. I know I’m a sinner and need your salvation. Help me live my life in such a way that the world notices you are in my life, and give glory for the salvation you gave me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 11 November 2018 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay