🪵 Zaccheus & the Power of Unexpected Hospitality

Have you ever been caught off guard by guests? 😅 My wife Alicia and I have hosted hundreds of people over the last 15 years. She’s got a system down: plan the menu, prep the food the night before, let the crock pot do its thing during church, and come home to a warm, welcoming meal. It’s worked perfectly—well, almost.

There was that one time we completely forgot we had invited not one, but two families over for lunch. When they mentioned they were looking forward to it… we looked at each other in sheer panic. 🤯

That memory came to mind as I studied Luke 19 and the story of Zaccheus—a moment of unexpected hospitality that changed everything.

🚶 Jesus Comes to Town (Luke 19:1–4)

Jesus is passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem—on His way to the cross. This is His only recorded visit to Jericho, making it a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the people there. The streets are packed, buzzing with excitement. One of those in the crowd is a man named Zaccheus—a name that brings back childhood memories of Sunday school songs and flannel graphs.

But in his own time, Zaccheus wasn’t someone people celebrated. He was a chief publican—a tax collector for Rome, and a rich one at that 💰. People despised him. And yet, he was curious.

He wanted to see who Jesus was. Not just hear about Him—see Him.

But Zaccheus had two big problems:

1. The crowd didn’t like him.

2. He was short. 🧍‍♂️

So he did something a bit unusual: he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree. Desperate people do desperate things. And maybe, just maybe, this hated man was more desperate than anyone realized.

👀 Jesus Stops at the Tree (Luke 19:5)

What happens next is incredible.

In the middle of the crowd, Jesus stops under the very tree Zaccheus is in. He looks up and calls him by name:

“Zaccheus, make haste and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.”

Wait… what? 😳

Zaccheus wanted a glimpse of Jesus. What he got was a personal invitation from the Son of God. Actually, it wasn’t even an invitation—Jesus invited Himself over! 😂

Most of us would panic. But Zaccheus doesn’t hesitate—he hurries down and joyfully receives Jesus into his home.

🏠 Jesus Enters Zaccheus’ Home (Luke 19:6–10)

Not everyone was thrilled. The crowd begins to murmur:

“He’s going to be a guest in the house of a sinner!”

But Jesus isn’t put off by Zaccheus’ reputation. And Zaccheus? Something shifts in him. He stands up and says:

“Half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I’ve taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

Now that’s real repentance. 🙌 Not just words—fruit. Not just emotion—action.

Zaccheus doesn’t just want forgiveness; he wants to make things right.

And Jesus responds with a powerful statement:

“This day is salvation come to this house… For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

💡 A Bigger Picture

Yes, Jesus came to Zaccheus’ house—but this moment is part of a much bigger mission.

He came to Jericho not just to pass through, but to seek out a lost soul.

He called Zaccheus down not just to dine with him, but to transform him.

He entered that home not just to rest, but to redeem.

And here’s the beautiful twist:

On that day, the world played unexpected host to the Son of God.

🧩 Application: When Ministry Interrupts

Let’s get practical.

• Ministry isn’t always scheduled 📅

• Hospitality isn’t always convenient 🧼

• Jesus still works through interrupted moments

Zaccheus didn’t plan this encounter—but he responded with joyful urgency.

What about you?

🤔 Would you welcome someone in, even if it meant throwing together a last-minute meal?

🤔 What could God do through your willingness to open your home, even on short notice?

🍗 The Fried Chicken Gospel

Back to our story. What did we do with our unexpected guests?

We admitted we forgot. We took a quick trip to Reasor’s and came back with fried chicken, potato wedges, and whatever sides we could find. It wasn’t our usual plan—but it turned into a memorable afternoon.

And you know what? Both of those families are still members of our church. God used that unexpected hospitality to build relationships that have lasted for years.

🧺 Final Thoughts

Zaccheus reminds us that Jesus can show up anytime, anywhere—even when you’re not ready.

He also shows us how a moment of hospitality can become a moment of salvation.

Let’s be ready—not just with a clean house or a full fridge—but with open hearts and willing hands.

🪵 Even if it means climbing a tree.

🍗 Even if it means buying fried chicken.

Because you never know who Jesus might bring your way.

And you never know what He might do when He gets there.

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