Before You Begin
Pause. Quiet your mind, take a slow breath in and out. Stay in this moment.
Passage
Reading & Reflection
Zacchaeus was infamous where he lived and worked. But not in a good way. Not only was he a tax collector, but he was the chief tax collector. As a Jewish man, he worked for the Roman government that was actively oppressing his own people, collecting taxes and getting rich from their struggle, and not in the most ethical means.
Zacchaeus’ name is derived from the Hebrew word “Zakkay” meaning “pure” or “innocent”. Likely aware of this, he would have felt like he hadn’t been living up to his namesake. Those around him certainly wouldn’t think so. Though intrigued and curious about Jesus, the closest he could get to such a great man was a view from a tree top – his stature, his reputation, his past being a clear-cut barrier to anything more.
Enter Jesus. Jesus stopped and called for him, “Zacchaeus”. Not “Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector” Nor “Zacchaeus the sell-out”. Nor “Zacchaeus the Rich-by-theft”. Just Zacchaeus.
How would you fill in your name and those blanks? What tags do you carry behind your name? What if Jesus were to call you, just by your name? Without the letters behind it, the accusation behind it, or the reputation you may or may not have.
Jesus wanted Zacchaeus to experience his personal presence – immediately.
Jesus didn’t want to just grab a coffee in that busy part of town. He wanted to be with Zacchaeus in his own him, giving his presence over a long meal. Jesus’s invitation is personal.
Jesus didn’t ask Zacchaeus to fit him into his busy schedule in two weeks. He told Zacchaeus he is available here, now, today.
And Jesus is available to you here, now, today.
Do you relate to Zacchaeus in some way? Is part of your past or your reputation a barrier to accepting Jesus' request to come? Because, like Zacchaeus, Jesus invites you and me to experience him here, now, today.
Bottom Line: Jesus is calling you by name, __________.
Morning Prayer
Jesus, I believe you see me. And despite all that you see in my past, I hear your urgent and personal call to be present with me, to make yourself at home in my life.
I gladly welcome you on this day. Give me eyes to see and ears to hear you. Amen
Evening Prayer
Jesus, I love you. And you call me by name. You say you love me, despite the good or the bad, and I love you. And so I receive your presence tonight. Tune my senses to experience your presence with me, Jesus.
You know all parts of me, and you love me. Help me receive your love. Jesus come, you are welcome here.
[ Pause ]
Jesus come, you are welcome here.
Teach me how to be present with You.
