For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
Here Jesus does not restore sight to the blind or heal the sick. No visible miracle. Yet the story of Zacchaeus is about healing – the healing power of love!
So what’s Zacchaeus’ wound that needs a healing touch?
He’s a social outcast. He’s traded the respect of his countrymen for the money the Roman Empire pays him to collect taxes.
Still, he climbs a tree to get a look at Jesus as He passes by. So what does Jesus do when He meets Zacchaeus?
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.
Jesus’ acceptance of him is not popular - All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner."
But look at the effect on the heart of a sinner!
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.
There isn’t any indication that Jesus said anything to Zacchaeus about repenting. So what caused the change in his heart?
Could it be that Jesus simply gave to Zacchaeus what was missing in his life? What his sin had stolen from him. Love and fellowship!
What a great example of how students of this Teacher should approach those who seem out of touch with God! Address the specific need their own sin has created in their lives.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.
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