Zacchaeus

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:1-10

Steps: 1,2,3,4, 5, 6,7,8,9,10,11,12

In this story Jesus finds a man by the name of Zacchaeus in the city of Jericho. He was a Publican which means that he could use his tax privileges and steal from those not protected by Roman law. When Jesus found him he was up in a tree because he was so short that he could not see Jesus because of his height. When Jesus came under the tree he was sitting in he stopped and called Zacchaeus by name and told him that He was coming to Zacchaeus' house to have a meal. Zacchaeus was delighted for he would have the Rabbi in his house and would get to ask all of his questions and get to the bottom of the issue - what must he do to be saved/go into recovery. Jesus told him and Zacchaeus told the people in the house, for there were many on the outside who would not come in and be instructed because they thought Zacchaeus to be a money addict and would not associate with someone like that. But Zacchaeus was glad to be called whatever because he wanted help and instruction so that he did not have to continue to defraud others. So Zacchaeus was happy to go through his inventory with Jesus, and then make amends for his behavior. When he had finished with his statement Jesus confirmed that indeed Zacchaeus was a saved man for he was willing to correct his past and look to Jesus for help in all things. Salvation had come to that house.

Prayer for Today: Thank You God for giving us stories like this. Thank You that You could save a thief and a corrupt tax gatherer. Thank You that His sins did not turn You away from helping him. Thank You for the statement that you came looking to save the lost. I claim to be one of those who is lost and I thank You that since You have promised to come and see those, then please find me. Thank You for your determination to help people like me, and my friends.