With the Powerful

Luke 19:1–10

The story of Zacchaeus, a rich but disliked tax collector, shows how meeting Jesus can change your life. After spending time with Jesus, Zacchaeus decided to give half of his money to the poor and pay back anyone he had cheated. This shows how knowing Jesus can change how we see and use money. The story also shows us that Jesus came to find and help people who are lost, by showing how he treats different people.

1. Everyone is welcomed

Jesus chose to spend time with tax collectors, who were not liked back in those days. This shows us that Jesus accepts and forgives everyone. Interestingly, people who did things that were considered wrong were often more open to Jesus than people who seemed to be good. To truly get to know Jesus and become a Christian, you need to recognize your own mistakes. This is shown in the story of Zacchaeus, who was lost but was found and helped by Jesus.

2. Zacchaeus views money differently

The story of Zacchaeus meeting Jesus shows us how the good news of Jesus can change a person’s life. Zacchaeus inviting Jesus into his home is a sign that he was saved and that his view of money had completely changed. When someone becomes a Christian, they start to see money not as something that defines them or makes them feel safe, but as something they can use to help others, like Jesus did. Being a Christian does require sacrifice, but the happiness and fulfilment that comes from knowing Jesus as your Savior and giving everything to him is much more valuable.