Originally posted 04/29/2009
Many of us remember the story of Zacchaeus from when our children were young or when we were young ourselves. Zacchaeus, was the short man who wanted to see Jesus. I have reread the story and was struck by Jesus’ response. Luke 19:5 states “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” Remember Zacchaeus had climbed up in a Sycamore tree to see Jesus, and Jesus saw him and spoke with him. Did you catch the Master’s words? Jesus sensed an urgency and wanted Zacchaeus to go home as the Master needed to abide there with him. Jesus had an urgency for Zacchaeus’ salvation, and wasted no time about it. The nay sayers were around Jesus at the time He spoke with Zacchaeus, but Jesus gave them no heed. In verse 7 we see the nay sayers in action: “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner.” Jesus wasted no time with the murmurers, but rather with haste went with the one who needed salvation and was ready for it.
