Mystery: Embracing the Truth of the GospelSample

This is the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. Like the rich young ruler, Zaccheus was wealthy, but Zacchaeus was hated because he made his fortune by forcing people to pay more taxes than they owed. In their words, Zacchaeus was a “sinful man.” Unable to approach Jesus with ease and confidence because of his physical size, social standing (and maybe guilt), Zacchaeus climbed a tree to get close to Jesus.

Unlike the rich young ruler, Zacchaeus made the right choice. His conversation with Jesus wasn’t long, but we see from his response to Jesus’ unconditional acceptance of him that Zacchaeus’ heart was aware of his need, respectful of Jesus’ authority, and ready to hear what Jesus had to say. Before Jesus even had a chance to tell Zacchaeus what He required, Zacchaeus surrendered everything, pledging to give what he had to the poor and pay people back four times what he’d taken from them. Zacchaeus was willing to repent—or turn away from his old life—and head in a new direction. In return, Jesus granted Zacchaeus’ salvation.

Verse ten marks the end of the Zacchaeus’ salvation story—we don’t get to find out what happened next—but it also marks the beginning of Zacchaeus’ new life. We know that Zacchaeus followed through on his commitment because, being God, Jesus knew the thoughts and hearts of men. He wouldn’t have granted Zacchaeus salvation if his surrender hadn’t been real.

It took a lot of courage for Zacchaeus to act on the faith God gave him without any guarantee it would benefit him here on earth, and it requires the same courage today. Becoming a child of God involves more than a prayer, emotion, or standing up in front of a church to say you believe the Gospel of Jesus is true. It requires faith—or belief that leads to action—and faith always brings about life change.

True children of God don’t just stick their toe across a starting line and call it good. They throw themselves into the race God has laid out for them and keep running regardless of the consequences! They may stumble from time to time, get disoriented, or step off the path, but they always get back up, refocus, and keep moving in toward Jesus.

Are you a child of God? How do you know?