LUKE 19:5-6

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”  So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

TO PONDER

When was the last time you invited someone around for a meal? Someone you didn’t really know but wanted to get to know. We don’t seem to do that anymore. We used to do it…at least some people did. And they were very good at it. One family from our congregation usually did it every week. Many people had stories of being invited. 

We had a whole family baptism recently at LifeWay. Did you think to invite this family around and hear their story? Did you talk with them that Sunday and welcome them into the family of God?

What about at Christmas? Did you wonder if everyone who was at church that morning had a place to go for lunch? Have you ever invited someone home for Christmas Day lunch?    

In our text today, Zacchaeus loved what Jesus did. Firstly, Jesus noticed him. And he notices you too. Then Jesus tells him he’s coming to his house. Wow! Is the house neat enough? What would Jesus think of the washing waiting to be folded? It obviously doesn’t bother Zachaeus because he welcomes Jesus gladly. Do you welcome Jesus gladly? Is he a guest at your house every day, or do we sometimes forget he’s there? 

Jesus turns up anyway, whether he is welcomed or not. He’d love to be welcomed and included in every conversation. Maybe that’s a 2024 resolution for you.        

PRAYER: Hospitable God, thanks for turning up. Thanks for giving us that model of connecting with others. Sometimes we’re not so good at it, so continue to encourage us to give it a go. Amen 

Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping