How can we apply Jesus' example of personal engagement in our daily lives? Seeing the Individual, Not the Crowd Luke 19:5: “When Jesus came to that place, He looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry down, for today I must stay at your house.’” • Jesus “looked up” — He noticed one man in a packed street. • Personal engagement begins with intentional focus rather than a sweeping glance. • John 4:7 shows the same pattern: “Jesus said to her, ‘Give Me a drink.’” One woman at one well. • Application: set down the phone, lift the eyes, recognise the lone coworker, student, neighbour, family member. Speaking the Name, Opening the Door • “Zacchaeus” — Jesus used his name, conveying worth and dignity. • Proverbs 18:21 reminds that life and death are in the power of the tongue. • Mark 10:21 records, “Jesus looked at him, loved him, and said…,” coupling eye contact, affection, and direct address. • Application: greet barista, delivery driver, colleague, or child by name; affirm identity as Image‐bearer; speak truth seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). Prioritising Presence Over Convenience • “Today I must stay at your house” — Jesus rearranged His schedule. • Hospitality stands at the heart of the gospel (Romans 12:13). • 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” • Application: accept the lunch invite, linger after the service, open the living room even when it feels messy. Moving from Observation to Hospitality • Jesus moved from seeing to entering Zacchaeus’s space. • Luke 15:4 displays the same pursuit: shepherd leaves the ninety‐nine to rescue one sheep. • Application steps: – Initiate: send the text, knock on the door, join the hobby group. – Enter: share a meal, listen without multitasking, offer practical help. – Encourage: speak Scripture, celebrate victories, walk through valleys. Walking It Out Today • Morning: ask the Spirit to highlight one person to notice. • Midday: engage that person by name and genuine interest. • Evening: invite relational follow-through—coffee tomorrow, phone call, shared project. • Ongoing: cultivate a lifestyle rather than an event—regular presence, consistent words, sacrificial availability. The Lord who called Zacchaeus still calls His followers to the same engaged, personal, sacrificial rhythm—seeing, speaking, staying, and transforming lives one encounter at a time. |
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