Jesus Reaches Out

Many who met Jesus that day would surely have loved to spend time alone with Him. But the only person who received a personal visit from the Master was Zaccheus.

People were shocked, grumbling that Jesus has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner (v. 7). As a chief tax collector, Zaccheus was far from popular.

Zaccheus realized he was a sinner and that others hated him. Yet he was not detracted by the negative comments. He understood that Jesus was reaching out to him, and he didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity. He hurried down from the sycamore tree to meet Jesus and welcome Him into his home.

Others may have rejected the tax collector, but Jesus saw his potential. After Zaccheus promised to change and correct his mistakes, Jesus declared, Today salvation has come to this house (v. 9). The Son of Man had come to seek and to save that which was lost (v. 10).

Jesus still reaches out to all of us. He offers to accept us, answer our prayers, take away our burdens, forgive our sins, and meet our needs. But we must decide how to respond.

Right now, no matter what is going on, Jesus is reaching out to you. Don’t allow disbelief, doubt, or the comments of others to stand in your way. Gladly run into His arms! He is ready to provide what you need.