Christ Came to Save Sinners

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”- Luke 19:10 NLT

            This is the story of a hated tax collector named Zacchaeus. Tax collectors in Israel were hated because they were considered swindlers and cheats, getting rich off the backs of the taxpayers. He had most assuredly heard of Jesus and now he was coming to his hometown of Jericho. Jesus called Zacchaeus out by name and said, “I must be a guest in your home today.” The people were displeased. Of all the people he could have chosen to eat with he chose a sinful tax collector.

            This account reveals two important things. The people of that area judged others but comparing themselves to another. They saw Zacchaeus and presumed they were better than a tax collector both ethically and morally, but they were wrong. No man is good except one. Jesus says in the gospels that not even HE is good, but only the Father who is in heaven. 

            This is just another example of how we are to see others the way our Father in heaven sees them, with kindness, love, and mercy. As the saying goes, “But for the grace of God go I.” * Believers in Christ are a most fortunate people. They ought not look down on anyone, especially those economically worse off then they are. Be Jesus to these folks as the Holy Spirit leads you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* This quote was attributed to:  John Bradford

John Bradford was an English Reformer, and martyr. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for alleged crimes against Mary Tudor. He was burned at the stake on 1 July 1555.

Born: 1510, Blackley, Manchester

Died: July 1, 1555 (age 44-45), Smithfield, London

Education: Catharine Hall, University of Cambridge and Pembroke College, Cambridge.