Devotional: Hope for Shorty -A Journey with Zacchaeus

 Day 1: Seen by Jesus

Scripture: “When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’” — Luke 19:5

Reflection:

Zacchaeus was used to being unseen — or worse, ridiculed. He was short, rich, and despised. But on that day in Jericho, Jesus did what no one else had ever done: He looked up.

Jesus didn’t avoid him. He didn’t shout insults. He saw him.

The crowd saw a corrupt tax collector. Jesus saw a child of Abraham.

He saw beyond the labels, beyond the shame, beyond the story others told — and saw the story that could be.

Jesus still does that. He sees the overlooked, the outcast, and the ashamed — and He calls them by name.

You may feel small or unseen today, but Jesus knows exactly where you are — and He’s looking up for you, not down on you.

Application:

Ask yourself: Where do I feel unseen or unworthy? Invite Jesus into that place. Picture Him calling your name with kindness, not condemnation.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You that You see me — not just my mistakes or weaknesses, but my heart. Help me believe that I matter to You. Teach me to look at others the same way You looked at Zacchaeus. Amen.