Jesus Changes Us

When we encounter Jesus, change is inevitable. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 powerfully illustrates how a personal encounter with Christ transforms lives in profound ways. Despite being despised as a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus was so determined to see Jesus that he climbed a tree - an unorthodox move that positioned him for a life-changing encounter.

How Does Jesus Change Those He Encounters?

 Jesus doesn't just enter our lives to be observed - He comes to transform us. When Jesus spotted Zacchaeus in that tree, He didn't just acknowledge him; He invited Himself to Zacchaeus' home. While critics complained about Jesus associating with a "sinner," Jesus was busy changing that sinner's heart.

This pattern continues today. When we invite Jesus into our lives, He doesn't leave us as He found us. The transformation may not always be comfortable, but it is always purposeful.

Why Do Critics Always Appear When We Follow Jesus?

 The harder you live for the Lord, the more critics you will have. When Zacchaeus began changing, the complaints intensified. People muttered about Jesus being "the guest of a sinner." But Jesus doesn't need anyone's approval to change us.

When you get close enough to Jesus, He will cancel the criticism. Not that people will stop criticizing, but their words will lose power over your life. What matters most is what God says about you, not what others think.

What Changes Does Jesus Bring to Our Lives?

1. He Changes Our Direction

When Jesus found Zacchaeus, His first command was "come down" - a complete change of direction. Similarly, when Jesus enters our lives, He often redirects our path. As He said in Luke 9:23, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

Following Jesus means we may need to leave behind certain ambitions, desires, or substitutes we've placed before God. We become like trailers hitched to His vehicle - we go where He leads, not where we decide.

2. He Changes Our Mind

 Romans 12:2 instructs us: "Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." There are two ways to think about anything - through our own understanding or through God's perspective.

 Our natural thinking - what might be called "stinkin' thinkin'" - needs renewal. God will disagree with us at times, and we must be willing to acknowledge when we're wrong. This mental transformation is crucial for experiencing God's "good, pleasing and perfect will."

 3. He Changes Our Actions

Zacchaeus didn't just accept Jesus verbally - his encounter led to radical behavioral change. He went from being a thief to a philanthropist, promising to give half his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold anyone he had cheated.

When Jesus truly changes us, our actions follow suit. We don't just limit sin; we abandon it. As 1 John 2:4 warns, "Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person."

What About God's Grace and Our Ongoing Struggle?

God's grace is bigger than our sin - no matter what we've done. But this isn't license to continue sinning. Romans 6:1-2 addresses this directly: "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!"

There's a difference between occasionally falling short while striving for holiness and deliberately continuing in sin. Jesus didn't come to make us free to sin; He came to make us free from sin.

Life Application

 The story of Zacchaeus challenges us to examine our own lives and relationship with Jesus. Consider these questions:

• What areas of my life is Jesus asking to change right now? Am I resisting His direction in any way?

• How much am I allowing cultural opinions, traditions, or my own reasoning to override God's perspective?

• Is there a sin I've been justifying or holding onto that Jesus is asking me to abandon?

This week, identify one specific area where you need God's transformative power. Remember that willpower alone isn't enough - we need the Holy Spirit's help. Surrender that area completely to God, asking Him not just to help you manage it better but to fundamentally change you.

Like Zacchaeus, be ready to make a bold declaration of change - not just in words but in concrete actions that demonstrate your transformation. When Jesus truly enters our lives, we cannot remain the same.