To seek and to save

​The only people that the Jews in Jesus’ time hated more than the Romans were tax collectors. They extorted additional money from their own people, often by force and threats of violence. Zacchaeus wasn’t just a tax collector–he was a chief tax collector who was rich. 

So it’s not difficult to imagine how much contempt the people of Jericho would have for this man as they looked down on him—if they looked at him at all. And yet, Jesus would look up to him. After climbing a tree to get a better view of Jesus, Jesus would seek out Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, and a sinner, but a person who desperately wanted to be rescued from his sin. 

As Zacchaeus spent time with Jesus, something happened in his heart. There was a change, a transformation. Jesus tells us why—“Today salvation has come to this house…” (Luke 19:9). Just like Abraham, Zacchaeus was saved by grace through faith. 

That’s why Jesus came. He summarized His entire ministry this way: “…the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” He sees you. He sees your soul, and despite your sinfulness, He desires to make your heart His home, cleaning it from sin and changing it forever. Call out to Him—He wants to be with you!