Seeking Jesus Or Being Sought After
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 33
Luke 19:1–27 (NIV)
By Audrey Ng, Chairperson, Children’s Ministry
READ:
Luke 19:1–27 (NIV)
As I read the story of Zacchaeus today I am reminded of my trip to see the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum in December 2025. Just like Zacchaeus, I prepared for the trip months in advance, checking opening hours, reading FAQs and booking a timed ticket so I could avoid the long queues. On the long awaited day, while Zacchaeus climbed a tree, I found myself taking a taxi to the museum, in a long queue to x-ray my bag, another queue to scan my ticket, and having to brave the crowd of thousands of museum visitors who also wanted to view the painting, walk at least 700 metres inside the museum before locating the painting and standing in awe of it. If the museum had asked me to bring the Mona Lisa home, would it change my home forever? What changes would I need to make to host the painting? Would I keep it a secret that the painting was hanging in my living room? Of course not! I would share it with everyone I know so they too would have an opportunity to view this famous painting in my home!
I reflected that Zacchaeus took pains to seek Jesus—braving the large crowd, humbling himself to climb a tree, not ashamed to show he was seeking Jesus, and agreeing immediately to welcome Jesus although he knew he was a sinner and not worthy of this important guest.
However, it was Jesus who sought out Zacchaeus—choosing him among the crowd, seeking to go into his house, extending grace and forgiveness to him. Zacchaeus could not help but show that he was saved. He had the courage to show everyone that the sanctification process had begun in his life.
Just as Jesus, the Creator, the King of Kings, who is far greater than the Mona Lisa, has sought me and chosen to live in the humble house of my heart, how does that show through my life? My prayer is for my life to show/display the Jesus that lives in me and that I should have the courage to invite pre-believers to meet Jesus, and also for me to submit to the sanctification process to testify to the salvation that Jesus brings!
[ Reflection Questions ]
- Does everyone around you know that you are saved and do you behave like a disciple of Christ?
- Sanctification and being more like Jesus each day requires submission and courage. What is one area of your life you need courage to submit to Jesus this Lent?
- Even as we seek to be a missional church, whose door can you knock on to share the salvation story?
