Lost & Found
A Life Transformed
In the late 1700s, a man named John Newton was involved in the slave trade, capturing and selling people for profit. He was a cruel man, driven by money and power. But one day, God got his attention through a terrifying storm at sea. That moment led him to repentance, and he later became a pastor and the writer of the famous hymn Amazing Grace. Newton’s life completely changed when he encountered Jesus.
Read Luke 19:1-10
Luke 19: 8-10 says: “But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Zacchaeus was a tax collector, which meant he was rich but also hated because he took money unfairly from people. He probably thought wealth would bring happiness, but deep down, he knew something was missing. When Jesus came to town, Zacchaeus climbed a tree just to get a glimpse of Him. But Jesus did something unexpected—He called Zacchaeus by name and invited Himself to his house! That day, Zacchaeus' life changed. He gave back the money he had stolen and even gave extra to the poor.
Just like John Newton, Zacchaeus had built his life on the wrong things, but when he met Jesus, everything changed.
Things to Ponder:
How are we relying on wealth instead of our relationship with Jesus to provide joy and security?
Jesus knows our names and sees us, no matter who we are or what we’ve done.
Real change happens when we truly meet Jesus—not just knowing about Him but welcoming Him into our lives.
Application Challenge
Zacchaeus didn't just say he was sorry; he showed it by making things right. Is there anyone we need to apologize to or treat more kindly?
Prayer Prompt
Pray and ask Jesus to help us follow Him like Zacchaeus did. If there’s anything we need to make right—maybe with a friend, sibling, or someone we've wronged—let’s ask God for the courage to do it.