DAY 175 – JESUS LOVES THEM TOO

By Pastor Wilberforce Bezudde

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house. “So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:5-10)

Despite the fact that Zacchaeus was an extortionist, Jesus honoured and loved him; and in response, this extortionist was totally transformed. We do not hear Jesus saying to him, ‘confess all your sins and stop cheating and you will be saved.’ Jesus just honoured him and loved him. 

Jesus’ presence in a sinner’s house was enough to cause a total turn around in his life. People are searching for real life, and where to belong. We should not ask them to behave in order to belong, let us help them to belong, then they will behave. We should not give up or avoid sinners, Jesus loves them, and they need to hear His Good News. Jesus is Lord!

Today’s Prayer
Dear Holy Spirit,
Open my eyes to see the heart of Jesus for the world. Help me become a blessing to all God’s people. Help everyone to know that the Father loves them. Help every believer to share the gospel unhindered. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.