Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9)
The miracle that takes place in the story of Zacchaeus is one we don’t want to miss. Luke 19:8 states that Zacchaeus “stood up.” Like so many others that Jesus had healed, Zacchaeus’ sin weighed him down. But when Jesus spoke his name, he responded. He stood up knowing the sin that held him down needed to be corrected. He instantly spoke his sin to Jesus and repented. Zacchaeus changed!
I don’t think for one moment that Zacchaeus was simply seeking eternal life. He heard the words of the Messiah, felt the weight of his sin, and his heart changed, warmed to the Messiah. He didn’t have a second thought about what it would do to him, his wealth, or his household.
The ending of the story is probably my favorite: “Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost’” (vv. 9–10). Zacchaeus’ whole house, his family, his servants, and everyone whom he came in contact with from that moment on was going to hear about Jesus and what he had done for Zacchaeus. His testimony was going to make an impact, and hearts would change. Zacchaeus gladly gave up his wealth and made a difference in his community.
Make a difference for Christ around you, no matter the cost!
Angela Spangler is the director of Fairmount Campground of the Crossroad’s District of The Wesleyan Church. Her passion is to build community around the gospel of Christ.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
