Zacchaeus-like

Scripture: All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ ” Luke 19:7 NIV

Observation: Jesus entered Jericho and called Zacchaeus down out of a tree to go spend time with him.

Application: There was great muttering by the religious leaders and all of the “good” people of the city when Jesus did this. Zacchaeus was a thief, liar, and cheat. How dare Jesus associate with one such as that. But that’s the point! Zacchaeus’ sin was and is no worse than my sin. Man quantifies everything. This group of sins are “Class A” sins; that group are “Class B” and so on, but not God! With him, sin is sin is sin. Zacchaeus’ cheating is the same as my coveting, and the same as the convict’s murder conviction. To God it’s all the same. That sinful nature is the reason that Jesus came to earth–to redeem us from ourselves. So naturally Jesus would call Zacchaeus down out of a tree and spend time with him. He was the reason Jesus went into Jericho in the first place.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the reminder that we are all in need of salvation through Christ. Help me to be worthy of his sacrifice. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Doug