Luke 19:1-10 tells the story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who had an encounter with Jesus:
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’”
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “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 what was lost.”
Luke 19:1-10
Let's break this passage down so that we can understand it better.
Jesus was passing through Jericho where Zacchaeus happened to be. Although Jesus doesn't pass through towns physically any more, he does pass through figuratively. This happens when someone confronts you with the truth about Jesus.
Zacchaeus was curious about Jesus and he acted on his curiosity. When you have an encounter with the truth about Jesus you can be indifferent or curious. If you are curious, you can go further by acting on your curiosity.
Jesus responded to Zacchaeus' curiosity by asking to stay at his home. Jesus wanted to build a relationship with Zacchaeus and he will do the same with you if you act on your curiosity. Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus gladly. Will you do the same?
Zacchaeus faced an obstable to his relationship with Jesus - his past life. When you decide to explore a relationshp with Jesus you will eventually become aware of the things in your life that are obstacles to a fuller relationship with him. When this happens you have a decision to make.
Zacchaeus publicly acknowledged his wrongdoing and took steps to correct it. What wrongdoing in your life do you need to acknowledge and correct? Zacchaeus "got real"! How about you?
Jesus responded to Zacchaeus' repentance by declaring his salvation. He will do the same for you. Real repentance clears the way for genuine salvation. Are you ready? If so, then check out our following Jesus page.
Subject |
Scripture Reference |
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The Rich Young Ruler | |
Day of Pentecost |
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Cornelius' Household |
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Paul in Pamphylia |
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Paul in Athens |
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Paul's Gospel |
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