Jesus comes looking for you
by Maria Rudolph
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For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost (Luke 19:10).
Read Luke 19:1–10
A very particular song is playing in my head every time I read the story of Zacchaeus. Maybe it’s the same for you! Children’s Bible storybooks usually include the story of the short tax collector from Jericho who scrambles to see Jesus by climbing up a sycamore fig tree.
I’ve always thought of Zacchaeus putting in effort to be with Jesus. And he probably did. But do we realise that Jesus is actually the one seeking out Zacchaeus in this story? Jesus declares in conclusion of this story that he ‘came to seek and save what was lost’.
Zacchaeus was lost – a despised tax collector who had cheated people over the years – and called a ‘sinner’ by the muttering crowd. It must have left him in despair, because he was drawn to Jesus, so much so that he ran ahead of everyone else so he could find a spot to see him. He wanted to be free of his worries. Perhaps he had gotten word that Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:33), ‘Seek first God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ Zacchaeus was seeking God’s kingdom: Jesus.
But the amazing thing about Jesus is that while we are out looking for him, for an encounter with God, for spiritual enlightenment, or for some way to fill the inexplicable void inside of us, Jesus is already seeking us out! Jesus not only saves the lost, but he also seeks them first.
Jesus takes the first step and invites himself over for dinner before Zacchaeus can say anything to Jesus at all. ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last’ (John 15:16). Jesus seeking out Zacchaeus gives him a generous heart of compassion; it brings him salvation. (Luke 19:9). Jesus comes looking for you, too, bringing salvation. All you need to do is receive.
Loving God, we give thanks with a grateful heart. We give thanks for Jesus Christ. The weak can say ‘I am strong’, the poor can say ‘I am rich’, and the blind can say ‘I can see’ because of what you have done for us in Jesus. Thank you for looking for us and for finding us. Give us a receptive heart so that we can keep on coming to you, too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Pastor Maria serves at St John’s Lutheran Church Perth in Western Australia. She is blessed with her pastor husband, Michael, who serves at Concordia Lutheran Church, Duncraig. With God’s help, they navigate ministry across two parishes and life at home with two beautiful primary-school-aged kids and one amazing high schooler. Pastor Maria also serves the Lutheran Church on the Commission on Theology and Inter-Church Relations.
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