DEVOTION – DAY 231

Luke 19:9-10 “Seeking The Lost”

 

Luke 19:9-10 “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.”

 

The background to the Luke 19:9-10 involved a rich man, Zacchaeus, who was a chief tax collector. Zacchaeus who lived in Jericho heard that Jesus was passing through Jericho and because he heard so much about Jesus, he wanted to see who he was. But Zacchaeus was a short man and he was not able to catch sight of Jesus because of the crowd of people that stood in his way. So, Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree in order to catch a glimpse of Jesus as he was coming that way.

 

Jesus reached the tree where Zacchaeus was and looked up and called to Zacchaeus “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Zacchaeus obeyed immediately and welcomed Jesus into his home with gladness. Not only did Zacchaeus offered his hospitality to Jesus, Jesus’ presence touched him. Zacchaeus offered to give half of his wealth to the poor. He also offered to make generous reparations to those he had cheated in the past. This showed a willingness to repent of his past. Knowing that a change had come upon Zacchaeus, Jesus declared that Zacchaeus was amongst those who were lost that He had come to save. Jesus declared that Zacchaeus had received salvation and was a son of Abraham. Jesus saw Zacchaeus as a true Jew. Not only was he from Abraham’s lineage, Jesus considered Zacchaeus as one who walked in the same faith as Abraham had done before him. Zacchaeus was an example of someone whose life was forever changed after his encounter with Jesus. He was also an example of someone that Jesus had sought after and who knew him by name. Zacchaeus was an outcast in Jewish society because of his profession but Jesus accepted him.

 

We know someone who was an idol worshipper for much of his life. Then, one day, his life was turned upside down. He heard the gospel and the thought of Jesus dying on the cross for his sins stayed in his mind. The more he knew about Jesus, the more convinced he became. He repented of his sins and called on Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Looking back, he knew that Jesus had been seeking him out and drawing him to Himself. The Lord continues to seek out those who are lost.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, Your love and mercy knows no end. Thank you for your free gift of salvation. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to draw those that are lost to have an opportunity to hear the gospel. We pray that many will receive the gospel and call upon the Lord Jesus as their Lord and Savior. We pray this in Jesus’ holy name. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. When and how did you receive the gospel and invite Jesus into your life as your Lord and Savior?
  2. Who are some of the toughest people you know who are resistant to the gospel?
  3. What are some ways you can help them to hear the gospel? Discuss.
  4. What are some common obstacles that stand in the way of people hearing the gospel and discuss how you can overcome the obstacles?