Faith without religion.
Noah’s Faith and the Ark: Lessons and Reflections
In the midst of the third week of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves reflecting on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-21. This narrative offers a profound insight into the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, was despised by his community for his profession and perceived greed. Yet, his curiosity about Jesus led him to climb a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of the passing Messiah.
This act of passion and determination did not go unnoticed. Jesus, recognizing Zacchaeus’s earnestness, called him by name and chose to stay at his house, much to the dismay of onlookers who labeled Zacchaeus a sinner. In response to this divine encounter, Zacchaeus pledged to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he had wronged, demonstrating genuine repentance and a change of heart.
Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’s house, emphasizing that He came to seek and save the lost. This story illustrates the unexpected ways in which Jesus reaches out to individuals, regardless of their social standing or past actions. It also highlights the importance of repentance and the willingness to change as key components of salvation.
The parable that follows, often compared to the Parable of the Talents, further underscores the theme of accountability and the expectation to use what we have been given to further God’s kingdom. As we navigate these challenging times, let us be inspired by Zacchaeus’s example to seek Jesus with passion and openness, allowing His presence to transform our lives and actions.