There was once a man named Zacchaeus who lived in first-century Israel (Luke 19:1-10). He was a wealthy tax collector most everybody hated because of his dishonesty and disloyalty.

One day, a teacher by the name of Jesus traveled through this hated man’s town. Seeking something he didn’t fully understand, Zacchaeus climbed to the top of a sycamore tree to watch Jesus walk by. Despised by men, as lost as anyone, and loved by God, he sat there.

It was only a matter of time before Jesus looked up and said, “Hey, you. Yes, you. I’m going to your house today, so hurry up and come down here. I see you. I choose you.” People gasped and mumbled, “Can you believe Jesus is going to eat with that guy? If he only knew what Zacchaeus was doing last night.”

Knowing they had missed the point altogether, Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “Don’t you see? I came to seek and save the lost.”

Let this simple statement grab your attention. Jesus’ mission is to save those who are rebellious, lost, hurt, and dying: “I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). He is not afraid of hard hearts. And by being united with Him, your mission becomes His mission — to seek and save the lost.

Today, join in the mission of Christ. Think of the people you encounter regularly who don’t know the love of Jesus. Ask for the wisdom and boldness to share the gospel with someone who doesn’t believe.