What Jesus Did! 'Seeking the Lost' — Luke 19:1-5

Friday, November 3, 2023

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today."

— Luke 19:1-5 NLT

Key Thought

When Zacchaeus demonstrated his desire to see Jesus, Jesus looked up and saw him, then he told Zacchaeus that he needed to stay with him. God wants us to know that when people are actively seeking the Lord, he seeks after them until he finds them! Not only does he willingly listen to those whose hearts are burdened, [1] he also reaches out for those who are seeking him. He does so even if they are outcasts in their own world like Zacchaeus. [2]

[1] Luke 18:1-14.
[2] Luke 5:27-31, 19:6-7.

Today's Prayer

Father, I know you longed for me to be your child even before I had begun to seek after you. Thank you for finding me and bringing me into your family through the gift of your Son. In Jesus' name, I praise and thank you for your grace that bought my salvation. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 17:27-28
  • Luke 11:9-13
  • Hebrews 11:6

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 19:1-5 NLT — "Zacchaeus!" —— "Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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