Joy: On Being Chosen | May 21, 2023

I love the parades and shows at Disneyland, but being so short, I often miss much. Until one time when we were walking by our favorite private restaurant, Club 33, reminiscing about our dinners there because “we knew someone who knew someone” and wishing we could get back in.

At that moment, a mutual friend appeared near the entrance who happened to wait tables inside. It was after hours, and he welcomed us in so we could watch the next Fantasmic! show from the second-story balcony! We were invited into a private club where we had no access on our own merit, and at last, I could see! So. Much. Joy.

I wonder if Zacchaeus felt something similar as he not only climbed up in a tree to see above the crowds and catch a glimpse of Jesus, but when the VIP Jesus called his name and chose him as the one he would have dinner with. 

In preparation for today’s message on relational joy, let’s review the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus. As you go into worship, receive Jesus with joy.

Luke 19:1-10 NLT

19 Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. ² There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. ³ He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

⁵ When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

⁶ Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. ⁷ But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

⁸ Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

⁹ Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”