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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

8 Related Resources by Heartlight

What's Her Name?
Article by Alan Smith
Do you know your janitor's name? A story reminds us of how important it is to know people by their name and treat them with dignity.
For Insiders or Outsiders?
Article by Phil Ware
What does it matter really, if I am community or not? Phil Ware talks about the tension between insiders and outsiders and how we are to view community and the way we connect our outside friends to it.
A Place at Dinner with Jesus
Article by Randy Becton
Who would you have eat with you at your table? We show our fellowship and friendship through those for whom we extend table fellowship and meals.
Seekers, Sinners, and Savior
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Friend, You are most likely seeking to be one of My disciples or you wouldn't be reading this. Or you already are a part of My family. Then you...."
See All 8 Related Resources about Luke 19:1-5

Illustration

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

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, November 3, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Rejecting the Message of God's Spirit'
"[Stephen moved from reviewing Jewish history in response to the accusation against him to challenging his accusers by saying,] "You stubborn people!....."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Happiness Comes from Being Pure & Obedient'
"Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord's teachings. Happy are those who keep his rules, who try to obey him with their whole heart."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Reason to Celebrate'
"Dear Beloved, What's with all those somber faces among those who claim to follow Me? Yes, seriousness is demanded at certain times. Yes, My call for...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Led by the Spirit of God' (Ro. 8:14)
"For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

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.

More What Jesus Did!