Daily life journal entry conclusion: Zacchaeus.
I told Jesus of Nazareth, whom I am convinced is the promised Messiah, my decision of recompense for my sins, especially cheating others when I collected taxes. I will never forget his response, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. (9)”
Jesus said this at my confession of guilt and repentance. He did not say this when he saw me in the tree and invited himself to my house. Nor did he tell me that I should repent or perish. John the Baptist had said this, and since I heard him say this, I took it to heart. Yet, it was not until Jesus called me that I changed my ways and sought reconciliation for my poor life decisions.
Thanks to Jesus’ next words, I know this to be true. He continued, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. (10)” I was lost. Jesus found me and saved me from a life I began to despise. I was joyful in ways I cannot begin to describe and compare. I have decided to follow him and change my ways.
After the meal, I told my wife I had decided to accompany Jesus and his disciples on their five-hour walk to Jerusalem for Passover. When we left Jericho’s west gate, Jesus healed the blind men I saw and heard at the east city gate. I praised God with the crowd (18:35-43). Surely, Jesus, the Messiah, will do great things this Passover in Jerusalem. This is going to be my greatest Passover ever.
