“Jesus said, ‘Come down quickly; for I am going to be a guest in your home today!’” Luke 19:5 (LB)
Zacchaeus’ appearance made him feel insecure and lonely. His accusers made him feel bitter and resentful. And his sins made him feel guilty and ashamed. So what did Jesus do? He invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house for dinner. He didn’t even wait for an invitation.
Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ guilt and shame would prevent him from even daring to invite Jesus to his home. So he took the initiative.
I know that you have things you are ashamed of in your life; we all do. Jesus doesn’t want to condemn you; he wants to change you. He wants you to know him and he wants you to love him as much as he loves you.
You know the story of the Prodigal Son. He leaves home, blows his inheritance on wild living, and when he comes back home his father runs out to meet him and gives him a big hug. He doesn’t say, “Go take a bath, get a shave and then I’ll hug you.” He accepts him where is he and walks him back home.
No matter what you’ve done, no matter what condition you’re in right now, God wants you. The starting point is to let go of your pride and admit you’ve sinned. That’s the starting point. God saves humble people who admit they need his help.
Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me” (Revelation 3:20 NCV). He wants to dine with you; he want to party with you. He wants to get to know you and he wants you to get to know him and have a relationship.
Zacchaeus’ appearance made him feel insecure and lonely. His accusers made him feel bitter and resentful. And his sins made him feel guilty and ashamed. So what did Jesus do? He invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house for dinner. He didn’t even wait for an invitation.
Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ guilt and shame would prevent him from even daring to invite Jesus to his home. So he took the initiative.
I know that you have things you are ashamed of in your life; we all do. Jesus doesn’t want to condemn you; he wants to change you. He wants you to know him and he wants you to love him as much as he loves you.
You know the story of the Prodigal Son. He leaves home, blows his inheritance on wild living, and when he comes back home his father runs out to meet him and gives him a big hug. He doesn’t say, “Go take a bath, get a shave and then I’ll hug you.” He accepts him where is he and walks him back home.
No matter what you’ve done, no matter what condition you’re in right now, God wants you. The starting point is to let go of your pride and admit you’ve sinned. That’s the starting point. God saves humble people who admit they need his help.
Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you with me” (Revelation 3:20 NCV). He wants to dine with you; he want to party with you. He wants to get to know you and he wants you to get to know him and have a relationship.
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