Evangelism

This devotional is written by Kirstine Robb. Kirstine is Ordinand (trainee vicar) and naughtiest staff member.

Jesus and Zacchaeus

19 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today."

6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled.

8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, "I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!"

9 Jesus responded, "Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man[a] came to seek and save those who are lost."

Zacchaeus, a character from the Bible whom we probably all know and can retell the story of. Bad guy meets Jesus and becomes good. The End.

But there is so much more to it than that. It is one of my favourite Bible stories because it is a story of transformation, redemption, and grace – the stuff that only the kingdom of God offers in complete fullness.

Zacchaeus chief tax collector in town had a reputation to maintain. Yet something in him is seeking Jesus, it might have just been a glimpse of the person who was creating a buzz in the neighbourhood but still seeking a glimpse. So, he climbs a Sycamore fig tree – a total social faux pas at the time forgets his reputation. All in order to see Jesus.

And Jesus response to this - to stop in his tracks, to respond, to actively demonstrate love and kindness – "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today"

It's personal – I am coming to your house. You see Zacchaeus is a great example of the personal mission of Jesus – to bring hope to the lost, healing to the sick, love to those unloved, to offer friendship to the lonely. Things that our society is crying out for and how is our community going to get to know about all of these things that Jesus offers?

By us playing our part.

You and me.

Let's ask Jesus who it is that he wants us to connect with today and for us to see them as Jesus does. Who is it that we can offer friendship to today? Who needs to know that Jesus loves them because everyone is welcome in the Kingdom of God, everyone is called into family.