Dear Friends,

READ: LUKE 19:1 THROUGH 20:47

Zacchaeus jerked the belt of his robe tight, ensuring his money pouch was well secured. “I am a fool,” he muttered to himself. His was a hated profession. He would likely come back home from this little excursion with at least a couple of bruises, but his compulsion to see the man called Jesus was great.

Dodging through the back alleys to avoid the worst of the crowds, Zacchaeus spotted a tree. He settled into his leafy perch as the crowd inched toward him. Then, to his shock, Jesus noticed him.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).

Zacchaeus started. How did Jesus know his name? He wonderingly met Jesus’ gaze, and his heart melted.

Jesus called Zacchaeus’s name because He knew him and loved him. Jesus knows the name of each of His followers, including believers today. He does not see faceless people in a crowd.

Prayer Suggestion: Lord, thank You that You know my name and call me personally to have a relationship with You.