Determination to see Jesus

 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.”  Luke 19:1-10. CSB

Jesus was passing through Jericho, and as usual, the crowds were lining the streets to see Him. Zacchaeus  though, was a very small man so he had to plan ahead. He had a strong determination to see Jesus so, when he heard that He was on His way, he ran ahead and climbed a Sycamore tree. These trees are sturdy with very low limbs making it easy to climb. Having done this, he had a good viewing point.

When Jesus stood below his tree, He stopped and called out to Zacchaeus, asking him to come down because He needed to stay at his house v5. This points to the fact that He may have known this Chief Tax Collector because He spoke to him by name. It worked; much to the onlookers disgust. He quickly climbed down the tree and stood before Jesus. This angered the crowd even more because they wanted to know why Jesus associated Himself with a Tax Collector, a sinner.

Before Jesus could say anything to him, Zacchaeus said he would give half of his possessions to the poor and pay back people he had exploited four times as much. I believe that Zacchaeus had come under conviction standing before Jesus, and had a major sense of guilt. He didn't have to do this; Jesus had said nothing at this point. What Jesus did say after Zacchaeus' comments was, 'Today salvation has come to this house - for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.' v9. 

The Apologetics Study Bible comes to the defence of a twisted version of v10. that is going around. In defence of the following comments 'The Church of Christ, Scientist understands the mission of Jesus to be that of a sage, teaching humans that matter is evil and all sickness is illusory. According to this verse, the mission of Jesus is to seek and save those who are lost.'    

                                      The Apologetics Study Bible, CSB, Luke 19:10  Holman Publishers

The truth is, Zacchaeus was not saved because he promised to do good works. He was saved because he responded by faith to Christ's gracious word to him. Having trusted Jesus, he then gave evidence of his faith by promising to make restitution to those he had wronged. Salvation cannot be purchased. It is a free gift from Jesus as we ask Him to be our Lord and Saviour.

One thing that jumps out of today's scripture is, Zaccaeus' determination and faith. We don't know if he knew Jesus before this event, we can assume he did. If he didn't, he had a strong faith and trust in Jesus to allow Him and His disciples to enter his house. When we have this type of determination to get our lives sorted out, Jesus helps us to do this. It may not be easy as, there are things that we need to cast away because of new life. But it is well worth it

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. 

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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