Scripture Sunday - How does Zacchaeus, the tax collector, affect your life TODAY?

Sometimes when we read scripture, we wonder how it affects our lives today.  I am so thankful and blessed to have an amazing church to help connect biblical times with my life today.  So, how does Zacchaeus, the tax collector, affect your life today?

Luke 19

New International Version (NIV)

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

So what does this mean?  How does it affect you TODAY?

Jesus didn't wait for Zacchaeus to be free from sin before He went to Zacchaeus' home.  Jesus knew Zacchaeus was a sinner; yet, He invited himself to his home!  What a relief!!  We don't have to be free from sin to seek Jesus.  We don't have to be completely "clean" for Jesus to want to meet with each one of us.    Jesus wants a relationship with you right now.  What are you waiting for?

These teachings were shared today at Orchard Hill Church.