Session 19

Jesus wants you as you are

From Luke: A 24-Day Devotional

Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector, wanted to see Jesus but couldn't see over the crowd. So, he climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus. Jesus sees Zacchaeus and invites Himself over for dinner.

Zacchaeus went to great lengths to see Jesus. Maybe he heard of Jesus' miracles or maybe he heard the commotion in town and wanted to see what the fuss was about. Whatever his reason, this short little man went to the trouble of climbing high in a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Whether out of simple curiosity or skepticism he pursued the Lord and made himself available. The Bible says that when we seek the Lord with all our heart, we will find him (Jeremiah 29:13).

When Zacchaeus met Jesus, he could not stay the same. Regardless of Zacchaeus' sinful lifestyle and the baggage attached, Jesus called out to Zacchaeus and claimed him as His own. A perfect Lord was ready to accept an imperfect man. The choice was then up to Zacchaeus. Should he act and come down, or stay in the tree and remain in bondage? Zacchaeus opened his heart and jumped down, running towards Jesus' open, accepting arms.

Maybe you're questioning this thing called Christianity right now. Perhaps you're skeptical or simply curious. You're watching from a distance trying to understand what Jesus is all about. He's there; ready to have an active, intimate relationship with you. Don't watch from a distance but jump and run towards Him. He will no doubt accept you with open arms!

“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:9-10).”

Reflection:

• Was there ever a time in your life when you made the decision to follow Jesus?
• If yes, how has that decision changed your day-to-day life?
• If no, what is holding you back? We'd love to talk with you today about working through that decision!