Read Luke 19: 1-10
If you remember the chorus about Zachaeus, you must recall his story. Maybe Luke included his given name because he had a reputation in Jericho—a not-so-good one, either. One only had to describe him as a short man and a crooked tax collector. People knew exactly who this man was.
Notice I use the word “was.” Interestingly, in verse three we find that Zacchaeus “…sought to see Jesus who he was.”
But, as usual, there was a big crowd around Jesus. And because Zacchaeus was short, he could not get close enough to see Him. But he had an idea. Knowing Jesus would pass by, he climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could at least see Him. Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name and exactly where he was. When Jesus came to the trunk of the tree where Zachaeus was perched, He looked up and admonished him to come down quickly. Jesus was going to abide with him that day. Zacchaeus wasted no time getting down from that tree. As usual, Jesus received criticism for going to a sinner’s house. Luke 19:10 says, “For the son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The truth of this verse brought salvation to Zacchaeus. Not only did he pledge his life to Christ, he pledged to restore anything he had taken unlawfully from others.
You may not have to climb a tree to seek Jesus, but, rest assured, God knows where you are because He knows your name.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Begin praying now for upcoming activities surrounding See You At the Pole, September 25. There’s still time to promote this among teens you know.
