Scripture:
Luke 19:7 “and when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner”
Observations:
The first 6 verses leading up to this start off with a story about a man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector, who heard Jesus was going to be in town and was determined to meet him. In fact, because of his height disadvantage, Zacchaeus was so determined that he climbed a tree so he could see Jesus. Jesus sees him and tells him he must come down so that He can stay at Zacch’s house. The crowds are angry that such a sinner could be chosen by Jesus to spend time with him.
Now, there’s a lot of attention drawn to Zacch in this story but we can’t miss the fact that a crowd of people missed the mission of Jesus. They missed the words he uttered back in Luke 5:30-31 “And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance”
Applications:
- Don’t be part of the crowd that misses the mission of Jesus
- Admit you’re not well and remind yourself that Jesus heals in that moment!
- Thank Him for the promise of salvation to all who call upon His name!
- Rejoice, as a believer, that Jesus is calling people that seem like societal outcasts to be a member of His kingdom family!