Word@Work Luke281 - Luke 19:1-7
Published: Fri, 01/28/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
DETERMINED TO SEE JESUS
Luke 19:1-7 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'." (NIV)
Following the blind beggar's healing by Jesus outside Jericho (Luke 18:35-43), a very different sort of person was also eager to see the Lord as He entered the city. Zacchaeus was physically fit and very wealthy. His role as a chief tax collector enabled him to get rich by defrauding tax payers, and probably taking a percentage of the fraudulent takings of his employees. Nevertheless, he wanted to see Jesus.
It is clear from the story that Zacchaeus was not a happy man. Despite his prosperity, he felt there was something lacking; and that something had to do with Jesus. But just to catch sight of Him was a problem. There were so many people crowding around the Master and, being unwelcome in the crowd and rather short in height, he could not get close enough to see Him. So running ahead of the procession, he climbed up a tree, and waited for Jesus to walk underneath. When Jesus arrived, even though He had never met Zacchaeus before, He addressed him by name and demanded to stay at his house. The tax man was thrilled, but the crowd became angry that Jesus should choose a bad person to welcome Him.
Many people are still surprised that Jesus has room in His heart for sinful and wicked people. That is why the gospel is so different from every religion which says that only good people are welcome by God. The fact is that nobody is good enough, holy enough or pure enough to be fit for God's presence. That is why Jesus came: to accept responsibility for the moral and spiritual shortcomings of the world and, in His crucifixion, to be punished for them. All those who believe in Jesus are no longer excluded from God's presence but welcomed with joy. See www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more. Indeed, Jesus still has a special interest in sinners who will repent - promising them the fullness of eternal life. So, do share this message with your friends and colleagues. It may provide the hope that they have been looking for.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that through Jesus bad people can be forgiven, and wicked people can find a route to heaven. Thank You for knowing everybody by name, and everything about them. So, thank You that You know the whole of my life; indeed I can hold nothing back from You. Please forgive me where I have failed You and disappointed myself and forgive me when I have been content with religion without casting myself on Jesus so that I may receive mercy and help. Help me to welcome Jesus as a friend of sinners and to share this good news with those I know and meet. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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Following the blind beggar's healing by Jesus outside Jericho (Luke 18:35-43), a very different sort of person was also eager to see the Lord as He entered the city. Zacchaeus was physically fit and very wealthy. His role as a chief tax collector enabled him to get rich by defrauding tax payers, and probably taking a percentage of the fraudulent takings of his employees. Nevertheless, he wanted to see Jesus.
It is clear from the story that Zacchaeus was not a happy man. Despite his prosperity, he felt there was something lacking; and that something had to do with Jesus. But just to catch sight of Him was a problem. There were so many people crowding around the Master and, being unwelcome in the crowd and rather short in height, he could not get close enough to see Him. So running ahead of the procession, he climbed up a tree, and waited for Jesus to walk underneath. When Jesus arrived, even though He had never met Zacchaeus before, He addressed him by name and demanded to stay at his house. The tax man was thrilled, but the crowd became angry that Jesus should choose a bad person to welcome Him.
Many people are still surprised that Jesus has room in His heart for sinful and wicked people. That is why the gospel is so different from every religion which says that only good people are welcome by God. The fact is that nobody is good enough, holy enough or pure enough to be fit for God's presence. That is why Jesus came: to accept responsibility for the moral and spiritual shortcomings of the world and, in His crucifixion, to be punished for them. All those who believe in Jesus are no longer excluded from God's presence but welcomed with joy. See www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more. Indeed, Jesus still has a special interest in sinners who will repent - promising them the fullness of eternal life. So, do share this message with your friends and colleagues. It may provide the hope that they have been looking for.
Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You that through Jesus bad people can be forgiven, and wicked people can find a route to heaven. Thank You for knowing everybody by name, and everything about them. So, thank You that You know the whole of my life; indeed I can hold nothing back from You. Please forgive me where I have failed You and disappointed myself and forgive me when I have been content with religion without casting myself on Jesus so that I may receive mercy and help. Help me to welcome Jesus as a friend of sinners and to share this good news with those I know and meet. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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