A Zacchaeus devotional ends where Jesus ended the story, with Luke 19:10 (ESV): “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus, but the real surprise is that Jesus was looking for him. Grace finds people others have written off.
Key Verse
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10, ESV)
A Short Man With a Big Reputation
Zacchaeus was a senior tax collector in Jericho, and he was rich. Tax collectors worked for Rome and often took extra for themselves. People saw them as traitors and thieves. Zacchaeus was probably one of the most disliked men in town.
He was also short. When Jesus passed through, the crowd blocked his view. So this wealthy official ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree like a child.
Jesus Stops
When Jesus reached the tree, he looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. He told him to hurry down, because he must stay at his house today. Out of the whole crowd, Jesus chose the man everyone resented.
The crowd grumbled that Jesus had gone to stay with a notorious sinner (Luke 19:7). Grace often offends people who think they deserve it more.
Grace Changes Everything
Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Jesus joyfully. Then he stood and announced he would give half his goods to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated four times over. No one forced him. Jesus’ welcome changed his heart, and his wallet followed.
Real repentance shows up in action. When grace reaches us, we want to make things right.
Seeking and Saving
Jesus said salvation had come to that house. Then he summed up his mission: “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10, ESV). Jesus does not wait for people to clean themselves up. He comes looking.
Maybe you feel like Zacchaeus, known more for your failures than anything else. Jesus knows your name, and he still wants to come to your house.
Who Are We Overlooking?
The story also challenges us. Are we in the grumbling crowd? Who in our community do we assume is beyond reach? Jesus’ followers should share his seeking heart.
Think about the people in your life who seem far from God. Zacchaeus reminds us that no one is too lost, too disliked, or too compromised for Jesus to notice. Pray for one of them by name today.
Today, Try This
Think of someone people tend to avoid or criticize. Pray for them by name this week, and look for one way to show them kindness.
Reflection Question
In what ways are you like Zacchaeus, and in what ways are you like the grumbling crowd?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for seeking me when I was lost. Thank you that you know my name and welcome me. Change my heart the way you changed Zacchaeus, and give me your love for people others overlook. In your name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of Zacchaeus about?
In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector, climbs a tree to see Jesus. Jesus calls him, stays at his house, and Zacchaeus repents and makes restitution. Jesus says he came to seek and save the lost.
What does Luke 19:10 mean?
Luke 19:10 (ESV) summarizes Jesus’ mission: he came to find and rescue people lost in sin. Salvation is his initiative, not something we earn.
Why did Zacchaeus climb a tree?
He was short and the crowd blocked his view. His eagerness to see Jesus led him to climb a sycamore tree, where Jesus noticed and called him.
Keep Reading
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