SEEKING THE LOST

Last week in Luke 18, Jesus told us that it easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  This week Jesus  tell us a story of a rich man being saved.   Jesus is in Jericho and the crowds are massive as everyone wants to see what Jesus will do next. 
    Perched in the branches of a sycamore tree a wealthy tax collector named Zacchaeus, is craning his neck to get a better look at Jesus, when Jesus surprises him by calling him out of the tree and inviting himself over to stay.  Zacchaeus responds with joy, and in that one moment his life is changed.  The crowds can only grumble because instead of the required spectacle Jesus has chosen to hang out with the worst sinner in town.  The Son of Man hasn’t come to entertain the crowds, rather he has come to seek and save the lost. Luke 19:10 
    In response to Jesus unconditional love, Zacchaeus is able to do what the rich young ruler last week found so hard.  Zacchaeus  gives up his wealth, paying back four times what he has cheated others out of, and giving money to the poor. 
    Just like Zacchaeus , Jesus longs to be a part of our lives also.  No matter how unworthy we, or others may judge us, Jesus wants to be a part of our lives. No matter  how hard we might try to hide,  or  unlikely it  may seem Jesus wants to come into our homes and our lives as well.  Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus in with joy and his life was changed.  How will you respond? What sort of welcome will you give him?
 
Till next time. Andrew