April 13

Zacchaeus

There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. Luke 19:2 (NKJV)

The Bible introduces Zacchaeus to us by way of two interesting facts. First, it tells us that he was a chief tax collector and secondly that he was rich. Now the first fact was certainly the basis for the second, for in those days tax collectors had the freedom to extort and extract funds from people.

So our initial impression of Zacchaeus is that he was a wealthy man who arrived there by the wrong route. Undoubtedly, his greed over years had led to a guilty conscience…and deep down he wanted to make things right. We can surmise this because he was drawn to Jesus, who had gained a reputation as an ambassador of God. Zacchaeus went well out of his way to see and hear Him, even to the point of climbing a tree so he could get a better view in the midst of a great crowd (Luke 19:4).

It’s then that Jesus does something Zacchaeus never could have anticipated. Jesus called Zacchaeus down from the tree and invited Himself over to the tax collector’s house—right there on the spot!

Jesus…looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5 NKJV)

Zacchaeus had a decision to make at this point: refuse or receive Jesus. He gladly received Him, and what follows is an incredible conversion as the extortioner is transformed into a great giver:

Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8 NKJV)

Here’s what we learn from this converted character: Great things happen when we accept Jesus’ invitation to draw near to us. When we’re willing to open the door of our home and heart to Him, transformations will happen in our lives that otherwise wouldn’t.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV)

Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?

What is my prayer for today?  

SPECIAL OFFER

New 365 Devotional Volume 2

God's mercy is new every day. That's because it's needed daily. So to help you walk through a fresh new day, the Active Word has put together this second volume of the 365 Devotional.  Our hope in creating this series of devotionals, is to help you connect with God's Word 365 days a year. And the best thing is, you can start any day of the year. Stay in step with God's Word, His will, and learn to live out your faith, daily.

 

Tweet

• 
• 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

Share with your friends