Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Zacchaeus: A Life Transformed by Jesus

Bible Reading:  Luke 19:1-10

Key Verse ”Jesus said to him, Salvation has come to this house because this man too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:9-10

DEVOTION

At this time, Zacchaeus was a man whom many people looked down upon and shunned, especially by the Jews. However, on this particular day, Zacchaeus felt a strong curiosity about Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Him. He cared not for the judgment of others but did whatever it took to see Jesus. Despite Zacchaeus' past, Jesus knew who he was and everything he had done, yet He welcomed him with open arms.
When Jesus visited Zacchaeus’s house, a transformation occurred within him. Money was no longer his top priority. He proved this shift in perspective by giving half of his possessions to the poor, demonstrating his genuine repentance and desire to live righteously. As the passage concludes, Jesus did not come to bless only the righteous followers but to bring those who had strayed from God back to Him. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, or what mistakes you've made in the past—Jesus has forgiven all your sins. The choice now is yours: Will you return to Him and claim your place beside Him in heaven?

   PRAYER

Dear God, as we come before You today, we thank You for the many blessings You have given us. We ask for Your help in fully accepting You as our one true God. Guide us as we seek to find our way back to You and strengthen our relationship with You. May we apply the lessons from this story to our daily lives, drawing closer to You each day. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Thought for the day

What is your life’s purpose? How do you envision your journey as a Christian?

Joanna Alex
Carmel Mar Thoma Church Boston

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