Scripture
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
Reflection
Jesus, friend of sinners.
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and a wealthy man. His desire to see Jesus through the crowd was greater than the worry of what people would think of him as he climbed the sycamore tree. Jesus sees him and asks him to come down immediately, for he would be staying at his house that day.
As people saw this scene unfolding, they began to mutter: “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner”. (v.7)
Jesus did it anyway. We read about Zacchaeus publicly declaring how he would give half of his possessions to the poor and bring restitution to those he had explored and Jesus affirming the salvation that came to Zacchaeus’ house. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (v.10)
What if, like Zacchaeus, our desire to see Jesus was greater than the worry of what people (some of us have family members who are non-believers, or maybe our circle of friend/co-workers who don’t understand how can we believe in Jesus) would think of us?
What if, like Jesus, our desire to reach the lost was greater than the worry of what people would think of us?
Jesus, Friend of Sinners (Casting Crowns) – partial lyrics
Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in your name but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth’s become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they’re tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I’m so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners, break our hearts for what breaks yours
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for the nation of China. Pray for China’s leaders and for all those who are in authority. May they call on God for the wisdom to lead this country.
