Friday
Read: Luke 18:31—19:27
SOAP: Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.
Devotion
Jesus warned His disciples about what would happen to Him. Though the disciples did not understand at the time, as readers, we know what is coming. Luke foreshadows these events, and the tension in the narrative builds when Jesus reached Jericho, only a short distance from Jerusalem. The events in Jericho are the final signs to take place before the passion of Christ. The conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders would end with Jesus being put to death, but with many receiving salvation by His sacrifice.
Once again, Jesus healed someone who had been cast out by society. This blind man was even scolded for calling out to Jesus. But, as He had done for others so many times before, Jesus approached the man with great compassion and care. The man showed great faith and even acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus healed the man, and many praised God.
Then, Jesus encountered someone the religious leaders called a sinner: Zacchaeus, the short tax collector. Zacchaeus was rich, like many others Jesus met on His journey, but he was the only rich person Luke recorded who turned from His riches and followed Jesus. Zacchaeus showed true faith and true discipleship, surrendering his possessions to follow Jesus.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. His purpose was not to gain power or fame but to find those who were lost and needed a Savior. The religious leaders rejected Him, but those who seemed less likely to be considered righteous, like beggars and tax collectors, were the ones to display true faith and receive salvation.
No matter what you face today, no matter your losses, pains, heartbreaks, struggles, sins, or flaws, Jesus sees you. He sees you even when you can’t see Him. Whether you are blinded by your pain, or whether the world is blocking your view, Jesus still sees you. He has come to save you, and nothing will stop Him. He is the Son of Man, the Messiah, and He has already given everything to save you.