Jesus decided to visit the house of Zacchaeus, an unlikely man in the eyes of society. Christ Himself invited Himself: “For today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5). This attitude reveals the heart of Jesus – He seeks those who feel lost, rejected and forgotten.

Who was Zacchaeus and why did Jesus choose him?

The Gospel of Luke (19:1-2) presents Zacchaeus as the head of the publicans, a wealthy and despised tax collector. At the time, the publicans were Jews hired by Rome to collect taxes from their own people. Many took advantage of the role to charge more than due, enriching themselves dishonestly. Therefore, society considered them traitors and sinners – placed in the same category as thieves and prostitutes.

Even so, Jesus did not move away from them. On the contrary, He sought the rejected. Among His disciples was Matthew, also a tax collector. This shows that He does not look at appearance or reputation, but at the truly repentant heart.

Zacchaeus’ curiosity and desire for change

Despite his wealth, Zacchaeus felt an inner emptiness. When he heard that Jesus would pass through Jericho, he ran and climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Him (Luke 19:3-4). The Bible describes this simple gesture, but it is full of meaning. Zacchaeus was short, and to overcome the crowd, he had to rise – an act that symbolised his willingness to approach something greater than himself.

Zacchaeus’ curiosity revealed a repressed desire to live correctly. He wanted to change, but he believed it was too late. Still, Jesus saw in him a heart willing to listen.

Jesus sees the invisible

When Jesus passed, he looked up and called him by name: “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5). That invitation changed everything. The man everyone despised received the Son of God Himself in his home.

While the crowd murmured, Zacchaeus showed regret. He declared: “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8). Jesus then said: “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:9).

A lesson of faith and repentance

Zacchaeus understood that his cleverness and wealth would never fill him. He believed that he only depended on himself, but Jesus showed that true strength comes from God. This is the message of the Gospel: Jesus seeks those who consider themselves “lost cases”. He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10).

Jesus is still looking for today’s Zacchaeus

You may identify with Zacchaeus – someone who has already known the faith, but has moved away. Perhaps life has hardened you, and you have come to trust in your own cleverness more than in God. Even so, Jesus keeps calling you by name.

He doesn’t care what others say, nor your past.. What matters is your decision now. Listening to this message is like climbing that “tree” – as Zacchaeus did – which is giving a sign of faith. And when you show this desire to find Him, Jesus approaches and transforms your life.

Watch the video, open the door of your heart, welcome Jesus into your “home”, and let Him renew your soul and make you a new creature. And if this video helped you, share it to help more people.

https://www.universal.org/renato-cardoso/post/recado-de-jesus-aos-casos-perdidos/