A Wee Little Man Finds Big Salvation

Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector who had gotten rich by defrauding others (Luke 19:2,8). As a chief tax collector, he was a notoriously greedy sinner who exploited his own people for profit. Yet when Jesus came to Jericho, Zacchaeus desperately wanted to see Him, so he climbed a sycamore tree to get a glimpse over the crowds (Luke 19:3-4)

When Jesus saw Zacchaeus’ spiritual hunger, He shockingly invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home, much to the disdain of the crowd (Luke 19:5-7). This divine encounter transformed Zacchaeus’ life instantly. He repented, saying “I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone, I will pay back four times as much” (Luke 19:8).

Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house…For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:9-10). Though Zacchaeus was a “lost” sinner, when he repented and received Jesus by faith, he was gloriously saved!

This mirrors the truth that “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Like Zacchaeus, when we repent and put our faith in Christ, we are born again to new life (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Have you had a life-changing encounter with Jesus like Zacchaeus? Or are you still lost in your sins, trying to climb the tree but unable to see the Savior? Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10)- that includes you! Surrender your life to Him today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I am a sinner in need of your salvation. Like Zacchaeus, I want to see you and have you come into my life. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Forgive me and save me. I repent of my sins and put my faith in you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my life and transform me. Thank you for your free gift of salvation! Amen.