As a kid growing up in a Bible Believing, Preaching Church my wife Andrea Sainz Herrera learned a song that I’m sure many of you know. It’s based on a story found in Luke 19 and it begins like this:

Zaccheus was a wee little man,

And a wee little man was he.

He climbed up in a sycamore tree,

For the Lord he wanted to see.

It’s a catchy little song but don’t write it off as just a song for kids because the story it tells, found in Luke 19:1-10 carries some profound truths. I encourage you to read it in your devotional time.

I want to share a few things with you from this passage. The first actually comes from the last verse in the text, and I believe that’s a perfect summation of Jesus’ mission:

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.

The word lost here doesn’t just mean something misplaced, like a set of keys, It means something that has lost its purpose. Something that is not fulfilling the purpose for which it was made. It’s broken, not functioning.

Zacchaeus was lost, broken. And the truth is every person is lost without Jesus – we are all failing to fulfill the purpose for which we were designed.

Jesus came to find us and restore our function, redeem us for God’s purpose.

look at what happened when Jesus encountered Zacchaeus on that road. There are four things I want you to notice that happened to Zacchaeus, but they also apply to you and me when we really want Jesus in our lives.

1. He knows your name

As he was passing by, Jesus stopped, looked up into the tree, and called Zacchaeus By Name. He didn’t point and say “hey you”, he called his name. Jesus had a personal encounter with Zacchaeus. And he calls each of us by name. Jesus is calling you now.

2. He makes you what you aren’t

Zacchaeus’ name means “pure” but as a tax collector, someone who cheated other Jews and was rejected by them, he was anything BUT pure. That is, until Jesus called him

3. He welcomes you as a friend

We find Jesus inviting Himself over to Z’s home. Even though he didn’t know Zacchaeus, he stopped and said, “I must stay at your house today.” He treats Zacchaeus, the hated tax collector like a dear friend. Not only does he invite himself but he brings his buddies and says, “we’re staying for dinner.”

Jesus wants to make himself at home in your heart. (Side note) My daughter Christian Mendez says about Christianity, ” it isn’t a religion, it’s a relationship.” Jesus wants a personal relationship with you.

4. He changes your life

In verse 9, Jesus says, “today salvation has come to this household.” Zacchaeus joyfully received Jesus Into his home (heart).

The story continues that it wasn’t simply a matter of sharing a meal. Z’s heart grew. After meeting with Jesus things were never the same for him. And that’s what happens for us when we encounter Jesus, welcome him in, and experience a changed heart.

Jesus was just passing through Jericho that day. And He’s still passing through today, inviting each of us into a relationship where we’re HIS friend, no longer lost, but restored to our God-given purpose.

Have you invited Jesus Christ into your house (heart) if not what’s stopping you. You can pray this simple yet sincere prayer inviting Jesus Christ into your heart. Jesus the door of my heart is open and I invite you to come in and wash me clean from all my Sins, today I accept you as my Lord and Savior, in Jesus mighty name.

If you prayed that prayer I welcome you to the family of God.

To God Be The Glory.

P.A