January 24, 2025 - Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬-‭9

“And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.” Luke 19:2-9 ESV

Jesus, the way you see people is amazing. Not only do you see those who are often overlooked and forgotten, but there is something about the way you look at people that changes them. You look on them with such love and you see right to the heart of who they are. We see examples of this in your interactions with people throughout the Gospels. You don’t just see the hurt or pain of the physical, but you offer to meet their deepest needs. We see it here with Zacchaeus. You saw him and showed your acceptance of him, but it doesn’t seem like enough for him to repent and make his sins right because of that short interaction. It was more than you just physically seeing him. Your interaction made him feel seen and loved, and it transformed him.

Jesus, we praise you that you truly see us. You know what we need. We invite you to come and transform us. Make us more like you. Help us to really see people with your eyes. Use us to speak your love and truth to their souls.

In Jesus name, amen.