If we were making a top ten list of the best things Jesus ever said Luke 19:5 has to be included. We read, “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.'” Isn’t that great? Basically speaking, Zacchaeus in the eyes of the community, was a despicable man. He had been disfellowshipped, or excommunicated, from the local synagogue. Everyone, even Zacchaeus, thought he was going to hell. Then Jesus came.
There are many stories of human misery in the Gospels that instantly change when Jesus came. There were lepers, the blind, the deaf, the lame, families with dead loved ones and then Jesus came. What an amazing difference there is between Jesus and the founder of another huge religious group who came with an army and swords.
Mrs. Zacchaeus had no time to prepare. It was a come as is. Many years ago the governor of Massachusetts came to visit our across the street neighbor. It was great fun watching all the preparations. Painters painted, a yard service mowed and trimmed, caterers brought in a feast.
Jesus will come as is. Just open the door. Don’t worry about the refuse of everyday living. Just open the door.
I’ very sure Zacchaeus never again worried about going to hell. Now that Jesus had come to his house he knew he was going to Jesus’ house. That’s the way it works. One invitation elicits a return invitation. You come to see me and I get to come and see you. If you listen you will hear Jesus say to you, “I must stay at your house today.” How grand!
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 9. 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org