Lent Day 33: Zacchaeus

Pause

Reflect on your journey with Jesus. Thank Him for the ways He has continually called you to Himself.

Read & Journal

Read Luke 19:1-10. Meditate on this passage:

• What do you learn about Jesus’ character from His interactions with Zacchaeus?

• What do these verses reveal about Jesus’ mission or purpose?

• How do you see Jesus entering into human brokenness in today’s passage?

• Read Jesus’ words in verse 10. Looking over your journey with Jesus, how has He sought you? How has He drawn you to Himself and invited you into His kingdom? Recount specific ways you have experienced the love and patience of the Shepherd who again and again seeks you out and calls you into deeper relationship with Him?

Ponder

Despite the fact that he was rich, Zacchaeus was an outcast. As the chief tax collector in the region, he was likely hated for both the dishonest practices that had led to his wealth and the fact that he served the hated Roman government. Yet for some reason, when Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming, he just had to catch a glimpse of him, no matter what that required.

And it just so happened that Jesus, the Messiah, looked at the hated tax collector and called him by name. Jesus saw Zacchaeus. He knew Zacchaeus and He called out to the tax collector personally. This wasn’t an invitation for the entire group; it was personal.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, the religious leaders had railed against Him for eating with hated outcasts like sinners and tax collectors. They don’t miss the opportunity to do so again in today’s passage. But nevertheless, Jesus goes home with Zacchaeus. And when Zacchaeus comes face to face with the Messiah, he also comes face to face with his own sin. Rather than excuse or defend his sinfulness, Zacchaeus repents. The Messiah has sought him out, and Zacchaeus responded in humble faith.

Your journey with Jesus, like mine, is likely filled with fits and starts, periods of running after Jesus with everything you’ve got and seasons of doubt or disinterest, fear or selfishness. But like Zacchaeus, we are loved by a Savior who sought us out when we were outcasts—sinners. And He is a Savior who continues to seek us out, to deal with the sin in our lives head-on and call us to repentance, all so that we may know Him more.

Rest in Him today.