“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” – LUKE 19:10

Have you ever taken your time with something – maybe a bit too much time? A bit too ‘slow and steady’ that you ended up missing a deadline or you were late to an important event? I definitely know I have.

In Luke 19:1-10, Jesus enters Jericho and makes his way through the town. This is where Jesus and a man named Zacchaeus meet for the first time.

This story of Jesus and Zacchaeus reminds me that there are so many sides to Jesus. He is gentle and just, loving and true, lowly and strong. Jesus often takes his time and is diligent, and yet, he never wastes time. He takes every day captive. This story shows us the power of forgiveness and how Jesus can change someone’s life in a matter of just one interaction.

Zacchaeus was a rich chief tax collector in Jericho, known for his cruel dealings with money. He had a poor reputation across the town. He had little care for other people and spent most of his days alone. When Jesus walked down the street, Zacchaeus was too short to see him, so he climbed a tree to get a better view of the Messiah.

When Jesus saw him in the tree, Jesus called him by name. “Zacchaeus! Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your house tonight.” Zacchaeus was in awe that Jesus not only called out to him but knew him by name. All of Zacchaeus’ bitterness and doubt left him in that moment and he said to Jesus, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

Jesus knew Zacchaeus by name. He knew his wrong doings, his hurtful deeds, and what the town thought of him – as a sinner, and one who was considered “lost”. And yet, Jesus knew there was no time to waste on looking at all the negative of the man, but rather, welcome him into Jesus’ heart with forgiveness and mercy, showing him who God is and who Jesus is calling Zacchaeus to be. He was there, just for him.

Note the urgency in Jesus’ exhortation to Zacchaeus – ‘Quick or Hurry!’ We, too, should be slow to anger and quick to forgive, just like Jesus was and is. This story in Luke is a great example of how we should take our days captive and share God’s grace to all, living out of a place of forgiveness rather than a place of bitterness or judgement when someone wrongs us.

Like Zacchaeus, gladly welcome God into your house. Slow down to take time with those He places in front of you. May He help each of us become more aware that at all times and in all places we are in His loving presence and can be the vessel to pour out His loving presence to others. May He help us to realize that the divine is within every person that we meet, including those whom we may find difficult or not deserving. Be truly aware that God’s love is all-inclusive, for all people, always.

As you reflect on the scripture this week, respond to these questions:

1. Are there times in your life, past or present, where God has called you to act quickly and you have wanted to take your time? Whether it be forgiving someone, taking a scary next step, or walking away from something?

2. God knows us all by name. Before we were even born, He knew us. If God knows us, and knows our thoughts, our families, our roles and titles, how can we be better aware of His presence and forgiveness in all circumstances and situations of our lives? I know for me, going before Him in confession and prayer daily – multiple times a day, and with other people – helps me remember my confidence is in Christ through His mercy, and that He is with me always, calling me by name.

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