Luke 19:6-7 (NLT) Zacchaeus undergoes a radical transformation, and the locals are upset about it.
6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled.
These verses note the contrast between the Zacchaeus and the local community.
Zacchaeus is overjoyed that Jesus wants to stay at his house. His eagerness to welcome Jesus reflects his sincere desire for change and redemption.
The crowd's reaction reveals the judgment and prejudice that often characterize human behavior. They criticize Jesus for associating with a "sinner" like Zacchaeus.
If you fail to recognize or remember the transformative power of Christ's love and grace, you are doomed to judge others. Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost. No one argues that. But can we get possessive about His mission today?
It challenges us to look beyond outward appearances and preconceptions and to embrace the potential for redemption in every individual.
Dear Jesus, don't let me judge other people. Instead, let me see them the way You see them. AMEN.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
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