April 15 – Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus was a chief or supervisor of tax collectors. The story tells us he was wealthy. Verse 8 implies that Zacchaeus was feeling guilt for wealth gotten from his false accusations. His position was known for using thievery and extortion to gain wealth and power.
Although Zacchaeus had wealth and power, he was like us in the fact that he was still created with an empty spot that only Jesus Christ can fill. This internal desire to fill this void prompted his to seek out who Jesus really was. In verse 4 we see his anticipation as he runs ahead on the road Jesus is traveling, and we see his preparation as he climbs a tree to put him into the position to see Jesus.
We observe four aspects of Jesus’ calling for Zacchaeus to respond: 1) “Zacchaeus” – this was a personal invitation. 2) “make haste” – Zacchaeus was not to hesitate in his decision. 3) “come down” – Zacchaeus must humble himself. 4) “I must abide at thy house” – it was an invitation for Christ to stay. Jesus had called each of us to personally, urgently, humbly, and actively answer Christ’s call to trust Him. Not just trust Him for our salvation and a heavenly home, but also for our daily walk. Jesus really is “The Answer” for all of life’s challenges.
When Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully, it was a life changing decision. It affected his life, his family’s life, and the lives of all those around him. His desire for wealth and power changed to a desire to Please God. His pleasing God did not give him salvation, it was an obvious uncontainable by-product of his salvation. Praise God for changed lives!
