Scripture: Luke 19:4-6
So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.
Thought for the Day: Luke’s Gospel is filled with stories of Jesus reaching out to the poor and those in need, and often those stories are put alongside words that are harsh toward the wealthy. There is no question that Jesus had a special place in his heart for the least among us. But Fred Craddock reminds us that there were those who were mad at Jesus for sitting down with Zacchaeus, and it was probably because he was wealthy and they were not. Craddock goes on to say,
“One can become so bitter toward the wealthy as to deny them a hearing of the Gospel. More than once the Gospels present cases of persons of means coming to Jesus in search of life. And why not? Jesus did not champion war but he offered love and salvation to soldiers.”
The table of the Lord is much bigger than any group’s definition of who is deserving or welcome.
Prayer: When I assume someone to be unwelcome, O Lord of love, regenerate within me a vision of Jesus and his welcoming spirit. Amen.
Let’s Cross The River
