The first part of chapter 19 records the conversion
of Zacchaeus. His desire to see Jesus prompted him to run
and climb a sycamore tree. Zacchaeus’ extra effort to see
the Saviour was well-rewarded.

Verse 6 is a message within itself. It tells us
that Zacchaeus “made haste” and “came down” to see Jesus.
This is still the need of sinners today. There is so much
pride in the lives of people today that they find it hard
to humble themselves and receive Christ. Men and women are
being taught that they are self-sufficient, and that there
is no need for God in their lives. The illustration of
Zacchaeus shows us that we must humble ourselves before
Christ in order to receive the forgiveness of sin. The last
part of verse 6 tells us that Zacchaeus received Christ
joyfully! What a joy it is when we receive Christ as our
personal Saviour. I can remember the night I received Him.
I had been attending church for many years, but was
unsaved. That night, after a service during which I fell
under conviction during the invitation, I was saved, and
the joy that flooded my soul can never be explained.

Chapter 19:10 tells us why Christ came. “For the
Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost.” Verse 41 shows us His compassion. He had so much
love for the city of Jerusalem that He wept over it. What a
challenge to our own hearts and minds. Christians today
need to have compassion for their lost loved ones. How many
of you have wept over a lost loved one or a lost friend?
How much time have you spent in prayer concerning the ones
living around you who are lost and on their way to hell? We
need to have real compassion, real love, for those about us
who are on their way to destruction. When was the last time
you shared your testimony with an unsaved person? Why not
make a telephone call or a personal visit today and tell
someone what the Lord means to you? You might be the source
of bringing that person to the saving knowledge of Jesus
Christ.

MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY:
Man now can be:
Justified.
Acts 13:39
And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye
could not be justified by the law of Moses.