What Jesus Did! 'Sinners Can Find Joy in Jesus' — Luke 19:6-7

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled.
— Luke 19:6-7 NLT

Key Thought

If Jesus were physically among us today, I'm not sure how those of us who are religious would react. The Lord's interactions with people whom society generally considered to be sinners, as was the case with Zacchaeus, offended the religious. I do know, however, that many who regard themselves as living sinful lives are still excited to know they are actually welcomed by Jesus into his grace when they come to him. Those of us who have been in Christ a long time need to be re-awakened to the hunger that many lost people have for the Lord - oftentimes not knowing for whom they hunger. Let's help them find him by looking for those who are seeking to find him. Then, let's welcome them as Jesus welcomed recognized sinners during his days on earth.

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes to see those around me who are seeking after your Son. Please give me the wisdom to know when to speak, what to say, and how to act so that I can be helpful in their search to come to know Jesus and so I can show them Jesus' love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

7 Related Resources by Heartlight

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...."
A Small Man, a Big Day
Article by Patrick D. Odum
Who would have thought he would be out on a limb? Patrick Odum does a fictional biography styled account of Zacchaeus and Jesus and the special moment in the tree.
See All 7 Related Resources about Luke 19:6-7

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 19:6-7 NLT — Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, November 4, 2023

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'I Will Not be Shaken' (Ps. 62:5-7)
"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 13:3
"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by D.L. Moody:
"Many a professing Christian is a stumbling-block because his worship is divided. On Sunday he worships God; on week days God has little or no place in his..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Despised?'
"Dear Disciple, During My earthly ministry, I warned My disciples that following Me would not be easy. The words you read in the verses below were..."

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!