Before the Triumphal Entry and all that (we call) Easter week would bring, before the Parable of the Ten Minas (that we will discuss tomorrow), Jesus sees Zacchaeus up in that tree.

If you grew up in church, you probably know that Sunday School song.

If you’ve studied the passage, you probably remember Zacchaeus was a despised tax collector and Jesus staying with such a man was infuriating to the people of the day.

But do you also remember what Zacchaeus did after coming to know Jesus?

He went to those that he had sinned against and tried to make things right. He restored what he had stolen fourfold (Luke 19:8).

Isn’t it enough to come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness of our sins? Do we really need to go to those we’ve sinned against?

Perhaps the words of Jesus after Zacchaeus’s actions, make this more clear—“the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jesus saves us from death and to eternal life but His presence in our lives also often saves lost things in our lives like broken relationships.

We begin to see others as He sees them. We have a desire to ask for forgiveness, and when possible, move to restore broken relationships.

God in us, causes us to want and do things we never imagined before.

He gives us courage to walk in His ways and experience the freedom that comes from obedience.

Yes, freedom! There is such joy to be had when we go to those we’ve offended and ask for forgiveness!

But even when the results are not as we would hope, when others fail to receive our apologies or refuse to restore relationships, we can still experience amazing peace from our desire to live like Jesus because that kind of peace is not dependent on the reaction of others. That peace comes from obedience to the One who died for us!

That peace comes as we turn our eyes on Jesus—even if we have to climb up in a tree to do so! But there’s also real joy that comes when we obey the will of our Lord and jump down out of that tree and run to make things right with others, not because of what others will think of us , but knowing our Father is pleased with us when we do!

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom 12:18)

There’s jump-for-joy freedom and blessing to be found there.

whataSavior

Easter

Sundayiscoming

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