Matthew 20:1-34
Luke 18:31-19:27
Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.”
Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, was despised for getting rich by slapping burdensome taxes on his fellow Israelites. He must’ve been feeling pretty low when he heard that Jesus was passing through the streets of Jericho. With a spark of hope, he quickly ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree to get a better look at this rabbi known for His acceptance of sinners and outcasts. Ironically, as he strained to catch a mere glimpse of Jesus, he discovered that it was him who Jesus had come to see!
Imagine his shock when Jesus stopped, looked up at Zacchaeus, called him by name, and lovingly said, “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Upon hearing this, people shook their heads in disbelief and mumbled aloud because Jesus was going to the house of a notorious sinner! Then Jesus looked out at the crowd and responded with today’s verse.
Luke 19:10 cuts to the heart of why Jesus came to earth. He had one mission: “To seek and save the lost.” Before we knew Him personally, He found us, accepted us “as-is,” and offered us a second chance.
You will never lock eyes with someone Jesus didn’t die for. So, if Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost, shouldn’t that be our mission as well?
Dear Lord, Thank You for seeking me out, loving me, and calling me by name. Today, instill in me a passion for connecting with lost people and provide opportunities for me to share Your message of hope and salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.