Day 117 He Welcomes Us

4/27/2025

"...for the Son of Man has come to seek

and save that which was lost."

Luke 19:10

Jesus was passing through Jericho one day, and I imagine that the crowds were gathering, so the streets were bustling. Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, hated by all because of his vocation, heard the noise and scurried out to get a glimpse of the one called Jesus. Because he was short in stature, he decided to climb up into a tree for a better look. When Jesus passed by, He looked up into the tree, and there He saw Zacchaeus! Jesus called him down from his perch in the tree, and they go to Zacchaeus' house for supper. Most everyone knows the children's song "Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he...." I grew up with the song and motions, as did my children. It's a classic!

Jesus sought out the people who needed someone to believe in them, or who were ready to believe. He came to seek and save the lost. The Pharisees of His day couldn't understand why He would hang out with those considered to have less than reputable standards, compared to the Pharisees, and eat with them. Not much has changed today in some circles. I know in the circles I travel that I often find that those I choose to share my time with are often ignored by the ones who should be welcoming them in - the church. Much is said or preached about loving others as we love ourselves, but I have not actually seen this played out. Someone close to me has been victim of this sort of "welcome," because he has long hair in a pony tail, a shaggy beard, discoloration in his teeth from excessive smoking and other factors, and clean, but less than fashionable clothing. But he's clean, groomed, his motives are pure, although he felt reticent at times, and he wanted to go to church, but he didn't feel welcomed, even in family settings. I keep saying this, but we have to do better!