Acceptance: Jesus & Zaccheaus

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Jesus Podcast

Episode: Acceptance: Jesus & Zacchaeus

Host: Zach (Pray.com)

Date: October 22, 2025

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Overview

This episode of The Jesus Podcast centers on the encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector of Jericho—a man both wealthy and reviled. Through immersive storytelling and reflective commentary, the episode explores deep themes of acceptance, repentance, and transformation. Moving beyond biblical narrative, the host connects Zacchaeus’s longing for acceptance to universal human experiences of rejection, shame, and the transformative power of Christ’s unconditional love.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Reflection & Divine Kindness

• Opening Prayer (Romans 2:4)
  • The episode begins with a prayer anchored in Romans 2:4, emphasizing God’s goodness and patience as the catalyst for repentance—not fear or judgment but love and mercy.
  • Listeners are reminded to reflect this patience and kindness toward others.
  • (00:00-01:42)

2. Zacchaeus: The Reviled Outcast

• Vivid Narrative Introduction
  • The story unfolds with detailed depictions of Zacchaeus: a wealthy, corrupt chief tax collector shunned by his people, yet profoundly aware of his own failings and isolation.
  • Zacchaeus’s lavish appearance marks him as both powerful and detested.
  • Quote:
    • “His silk robes flowed in the breeze, exposing his purple lace tunic and silver medallion underneath. The symbols of his wealth and position as chief tax collector only deepened the furrows of disgust on people’s faces. Scornful whispers followed him like flies.” (01:50)
• The Root of Zacchaeus’s Actions
  • Zacchaeus’s drive for wealth and importance emerges from insecurities and long-standing social exclusion.
  • The storytelling makes clear his internal conflict: materially rich but spiritually and emotionally impoverished.

3. Curiosity for Jesus and Desperate for Acceptance

• Drawn by Reputation
  • Zacchaeus hears that Jesus is called “a friend of tax collectors,” which fuels his desire to see Jesus—a chance for belonging and hope.
  • Quote:
    • "If this were true and Jesus of Nazareth was a friend of tax collectors, perhaps Zacchaeus could approach him.” (04:33)
• Physical and Emotional Barriers
  • Facing crowds physically (due to his short stature) and emotionally (due to social rejection), Zacchaeus’s repeated attempts to see Jesus echo his quest for acceptance.

4. The Sycamore Tree and Divine Encounter

• Zacchaeus’s Determination (08:00–11:40)
  • He climbs a sycamore tree just to glimpse Jesus, risking both embarrassment and injury.
  • The moment becomes comical and poignant when a branch breaks, drawing the crowd’s scorn and Zacchaeus’s utter humiliation.
• Jesus’s Warm Invitation
  • Jesus singles out Zacchaeus, publicly calling him down and declaring his intention to stay at Zacchaeus’s house.
  • Quote:
    • “Zacchaeus? Is that you, my friend?...Oh, get down from there. I’m staying at your house tonight. Let’s eat.” (12:22-12:42)
  • The act stuns the crowd and deeply moves Zacchaeus—he is welcomed as a “friend” for the first time.

5. The Power of Presence and Unconditional Friendship

• No Rebuke, Just Fellowship (17:07–18:59)
  • Jesus dines with Zacchaeus without preaching or rebuke; his acceptance creates space for honest self-reflection and authentic repentance.
  • Quote:
    • “Being in the presence of Jesus was enough to convict Zacchaeus’s heart…Jesus didn’t treat him like a leech or scourge. He treated him as a friend worthy of dignity and respect.” (17:57–18:36)
• Zacchaeus’s Decision to Change
  • Zacchaeus is compelled to restitution and radical generosity, repaying fourfold those he defrauded, and donating half his wealth to the poor.
  • Quote:
    • Zacchaeus: “Every man we’ve cheated will receive four times the amount back.” (19:52)
    • “Half of whatever…is left will go to the poor.” (20:04)

6. Public Declaration and Jesus’s Affirmation

• Salvation and Belonging
  • Jesus openly affirms Zacchaeus’s belonging:
    • Quote:
      – Jesus: “Today, Zacchaeus, salvation has come to this house. You are also a son of Abraham. You belong. Your past has not disqualified you from me. For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (21:00–21:19)
  • The dinner scene ends with community, repentance, and joy—Zacchaeus, once the loneliest man in Jericho, now feels accepted and transformed.

7. Reflection on Acceptance and Transformation

• Host’s Commentary (15:00, 21:41–end)
  • The story’s lessons are unpacked:
    • Everyone seeks acceptance; rejection wounds deeply, but God’s acceptance is unconditional and healing.
    • Material success does not fill the void of loneliness or spiritual hunger.
    • God accepts us as we are but desires to transform us into something greater.
  • Quote:
    • Host (Zach): “Acceptance in the kingdom of God is contrary to acceptance from the world’s point of view. God isn’t looking for fame, wealth, and power in his people…He calls people his children, citizens, and friends, despite where they were or where they’re going.” (23:10)
• Challenge to Listeners
  • Examine what you seek in life (acceptance, wealth, recognition) and allow God's love to transform your view and actions toward others.
  • The importance of genuine self-reflection and extending the same grace we've received to others.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Zacchaeus’s Longing:

  • “Even before taking up the slimy tax collecting trade, he hadn’t enjoyed the pleasure of many friends…He usually had to pay for the joy of anyone’s company.” (13:56)

• On Friendliness and Transformation:

  • Jesus to Zacchaeus: “Don’t worry about them, Zacchaeus. Come down and let’s eat together as friends.” (13:48)

• On True Acceptance:

  • Host (Zach): “While everyone may not accept us as we are, we can be sure that Christ will. And as we embrace Jesus with open arms, he begins to change our perspective on life.” (22:05)

• On Jesus’s Transformative Impact:

  • Host (Zach): “God doesn’t ignore you or tell you to change before he welcomes you into his family. He gives us mercy to enter into his presence, but then he pours out grace to give us a better life.” (26:08)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:42: Opening prayer (Romans 2:4), introduction of acceptance theme
• 02:47–04:18: Zacchaeus’s reputation; crowd’s hatred and his inner pain
• 06:13–09:15: Zacchaeus tries to see Jesus, faces barriers, climbs sycamore tree
• 11:06–12:47: Zacchaeus’s embarrassment, Jesus’s call, crowd’s shock
• 13:48–15:00: Jesus’s offer of friendship, Zacchaeus’s emotional breakthrough
• 17:07–20:07: Dinner scene, Zacchaeus’s repentance and acts of restitution
• 21:00–21:19: Jesus’s affirmation: “Salvation has come…You belong.”
• 21:41–end: Host’s reflection: acceptance, transformation, and call to embrace others

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Final Thoughts

This episode provides both a dramatic retelling of Zacchaeus’s story and a heartfelt meditation on acceptance and personal change. The podcast blends engaging narrative with theological depth, encouraging listeners to seek and extend the kind of grace that can melt even the hardest of hearts, just as Jesus did with Zacchaeus.

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For more inspiring episodes, visit JesusPodcast.com

Transcript

[Narrator]

Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? Romans 2:4 Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts, deeply moved by the profound truth in Romans 2:4, reminding us of your boundless kindness and patience. It's your goodness, Lord, that leads us to repentance, not through fear or judgment, but through your unwavering love and mercy. Help us to grasp the depth of your compassion, that even in our weakness and failure, you draw us closer, not to condemn, but to restore and heal. Teach us, O God, to see through your eyes, to understand that every moment of patience and every act of kindness from you is a call to return to your embrace. Let this understanding transform our hearts, inspire our actions and renew our minds. May we extend the same patience and kindness to others, reflecting your love in our lives. In doing so, let us be beacons of your grace in a world in need of your light. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Stay here to listen to a story about a wee little man named Zacchaeus and how the kindness of Christ can soften the hardest of hearts. If this podcast has brought value to your faith, we'd love it if you left a review and shared it with a friend. We want the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world because when Jesus story is told, lives are transformed the dust of Jericho swirled around Zacchaeus polished boots as he navigated the crowded marketplace. His silk robes flowed in the breeze, exposing his purple lace tunic and silver medallion underneath. The symbols of his wealth and position as chief tax collector. Collector only deepened the furrows of disgust on people's faces. Scornful whispers followed him like flies.

[Jesus]

There goes the Roman leech fattening himself off our sweat.

[Narrator]

Others spat on the ground, hoping it would stain his perfectly polished boots. Zacchaeus held his head high. Although his heart ached for the sneers, their disdain wasn't unfounded. Zacchaeus had extracted excessive taxes from the people of Jericho. His wealth was gained through extra fees and interest on loans people had no choice but to ask for. Zacchaeus had built himself a small empire of corruption and greed, enriching himself while impoverishing his people. He was more than hated. He was reviled, an outcast in his own city. Typically, Zacchaeus was content to lounge in the courtyards and ballrooms of Roman officials to avoid such ridicule. Today, however, a sliver of curiosity compelled Zacchaeus to go outside. News of a charismatic rabbi preaching hope and revolution had reached Jericho. Zacchaeus heard some refer to him as the Messiah. Others said he was a prophet. And there was another name the Pharisees had given him, one that piqued Zacchaeus curiosity.

[Zacchaeus]

He is a friend of tax collectors.

[Narrator]

He overheard one of them say.

[Zacchaeus]

He dines with those traitors like they've done nothing wrong. I even heard one of his closest followers is a former tax collector. Deplorable.

[Narrator]

If this were true and Jesus of Nazareth was a friend of tax collectors, perhaps Zacchaeus could approach him. No rabbi of reputation would dare dine with a tax collector. This man wasn't just a rabbi. Some claimed he was the Messiah. And if the Messiah would speak with Zacchaeus, then perhaps he wouldn't be the scourge everyone thought he was. Drawn by this curiosity, Zacchaeus ventured through the city to catch a glimpse. News of Jesus arrival reached everyone and a crowd surged toward the city gates to greet him. Everyone, young and old, forced themselves to the front. Zacchaeus tried his best to keep up, but was swiftly shoved aside. Zacchaeus felt like a king behind the tax booth or lounging in his mansion. But out on the streets of Jericho, he was a cockroach, unworthy of dignity or respect. It didn't help that he was a tiny man standing face to face with most children. That's why he became a tax collector in the first place. Nobody felt small with centurions at their disposal. A five acre estate made up for being just over five feet tall. Zacchaeus tried pushing through the crowd again, but he was shoved aside.

[Zacchaeus]

Let me through. You can all see over me anyway. I just want to see Jesus.

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus. Piping voice could barely be heard over the clamor.

[Zacchaeus]

Let me through.

[Narrator]

The tax collector tried running through them. The tax collector tried running through them, but he was shoved to the ground.

[Jesus]

Back to your booth, leech. None of us want you here.

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus wiped the dust off his coat and began walking away. He turned his back to the crowd and sighed.

[Zacchaeus]

Serves me right. I suppose we'll see how big they feel when their taxes are hiked up.

[Narrator]

He walked away with his head held low. Zacchaeus wasn't oblivious. He knew why people hated him. He betrayed his people and cheated them out of their livelihoods. He wasn't entirely shameless. In his most vulnerable moments, he wept over his sins. But how else was he going to feel important? Zacchaeus was always overlooked, picked last and forgotten. As a child he could never keep up, and people rarely heard him when he spoke. But behind the booth, surrounded by guards or sitting on a mountain of gold, he felt significant. He felt tall. Zacchaeus walked away in defeat, but his countenance changed when he heard everyone shouting, it's him.

[Jesus]

Jesus is here.

[Narrator]

The crowd erupted in praise. Everyone pushed toward the middle, trying to get a hold of Jesus robe or catch a glimpse of his face. Zacchaeus turned around. This time, more than curiosity compelled him. His heart began to pound, and his entire body tensed with anxious excitement. He didn't expect to talk with Jesus. He knew a rabbi like him had far more pressing things to attend to. But he needed to see him. At least he needed to catch a glimpse of the Messiah. Maybe, just maybe, seeing Jesus would change something about the way Zacchaeus felt about himself. He looked around, seeing where he could get a better vantage point. A large sycamore tree stood on the perimeter of the gate. Its thin branches hung over the crowd, casting a slight shadow over the path Jesus was about to walk on. The branches were too thin for a grown man to hang on, but perhaps we Zacchaeus had a chance.

[Zacchaeus]

This is it.

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus, the short and portly tax collector, scampered over to the sycamore tree. He climbed up with surprising agility for his physique. As he settled among the rustling leaves, he held his breath, anticipation prickling his skin. Jesus followers walked before him, pressing through the crowd so they didn't overwhelm him.

[Jesus]

Jesus, tell us about the coming age.

[Zacchaeus]

Rabbi, please heal my son. Lord, when will you take the throne from Caesar?

[Narrator]

Everyone wanted something from Jesus. They yearned for his teaching and were desperate to see a miracle. Zacchaeus scooted up the smooth branch, tearing his robe and scuffling his polished boots. The branch bowed under his weight as he leaned forward just a little closer. He continued further up the branch until he finally saw Jesus. He wore craftsman's clothes. He wasn't physically imparted or astonishingly handsome. He was an ordinary man. If the sea of people weren't thrashing toward Jesus, Zacchaeus wouldn't have guessed it was him. Yet even still, there was something different about him. Zacchaeus hugged the branch and smiled. Seeing Jesus was worth the scuffled boots and sweaty tunic. However, only a minute in, the branch beneath him began to crack. Zacchaeus eyes widened in fear.

[Zacchaeus]

Oh, no. No, no, no, no.

[Narrator]

He shuffled backwards, tearing a hole right through his linen trousers. Just as Zacchaeus returned to the tree's base. The branch set snapped and fell. It crashed right before Jesus, nearly crushing him and one of his disciples. The entire crowd gasped and looked up. Up in the tree, eyes wide with embarrassment and ripped pants hung. Zacchaeus.

[Jesus]

The leech just tried to kill Jesus.

[Zacchaeus]

Who does he think he is?

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus hugged the tree trunk, unsure of what to do next. If he remained in the tree, everyone would see his embarrassment on display. He was sweating through his shirt and his pants were ripped, but if he hurried down, they might beat him. Zacchaeus wanted to crawl back to his home and never come out. He missed the safety of his booth. He wished he hadn't ventured out without his guards. As the tax collector reeled in anxiety, Jesus stepped over the branch and looked up.

[Jesus]

Zacchaeus? Is that you, my friend?

[Narrator]

Jesus spoke to Zacchaeus like one would to an old friend. But he was confident that he had never met Jesus before. Confused and caught off guard, Zacchaeus nodded.

[Zacchaeus]

Yes, it's me. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to.

[Jesus]

Oh, get down from there. I'm staying at your house tonight. Let's eat.

[Zacchaeus]

You want to stay with you Want to eat with me?

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus would have slapped himself to see if he was dreaming, but then he would tumble down the tree.

[Jesus]

Of course.

[Host (Zach)]

Dream.

[Jesus]

Now get down and let's be on our way.

[Narrator]

A collective gasp escaped the crowd. Did the rabbi, the one they believed to be their Messiah, choose to dine with Jericho's most hated man? Zacchaeus himself was paralyzed and speechless. Shame battled gratitude within him. Did Jesus know who he was? Zacchaeus looked out at the crowd. He saw their menacing grimaces and heard their judgmental whispers. Jesus met Zacchaeus gaze and stepped forward with a warm, gentle whisper.

[Jesus]

He nodded and said, don't worry about them, Zacchaeus. Come down and let's eat together as friends.

[Narrator]

There was that word again. Friends. The word seemed so foreign to Zacchaeus. Even before taking up the slimy tax collecting trade, he hadn't enjoyed the pleasure of many friends. He usually had to pay for the joy of anyone's company. Sure, there were nobles to bribe and government officials to consort with, but none were his friends. The dam within Zacchaeus broke. Tears welled up in his eyes, blurring the image of the crowd below. He nodded to Jesus and worked his way down the sycamore tree. The crowd no longer pressed or shouted. They were utterly still murmuring to each other as Zacchaeus led Jesus to his home, hands covering the gaping hole in his trousers.

[Host (Zach)]

We're all looking for a sense of acceptance somewhere, from high school cliques to seeking praise in the workplace. If you've ever been rejected, you know how hard it can be to overcome that feeling of shame. But we have a God who looks past our outward appearance and into the heart. No matter what kind of worldly rejection you have ever received, you have a God of mercy and compassion who accepts you into his family. This is the Jesus Podcast stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling. I'm Zach, your host from pray.com and I'm happy you're here with us. In fact, I'm glad that you're a part of this community. I'm glad you're a part of the pray.com movement as we seek to tell the story of Jesus, tell the story of the Bible really, in new and exciting ways. It's been our aim to make these stories accessible, relatable, but not forsaking genuine reflection and truth and meditation on God's word. Hopefully you've enjoyed it so far, and if you have, we would love it if you continued to follow and left a review if there was one way to ensure you were an outcast in Jewish society in Jesus time, it was to be a tax collector serving on behalf of the Roman government. You were the face of their injustice in the community, and you collected money for the benefit of your oppressors. Together we're going to learn about Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector in the city of Jericho. Though small in stature, Zacchaeus was a man who had built up a world of wealth for himself. But we'll find out that for all of his possessions, he still had a hole in his heart. He felt this need for acceptance. Perhaps there was more to life than amassing mountains of money. Was it worth the rejection and ridicule he faced from the people around him? Was it worth isolation from his family and the scorn of those that he called kinsmen? These are the types of thoughts that flooded through Zacchaeus mind as he heard the murmurings that there was a rabbi and a friend of tax collectors around. You already know the answer, but let's be swept up in the story anyways.

[Narrator]

Jesus and his disciples reclined at the table. Zacchaeus had his servants prepare a decadent meal of cured meats, cheeses and baked bread with olives and dates. Jesus sat beside Zacchaeus, asking questions about his life. Zacchaeus poured himself out to Jesus, unashamed to admit his shortcomings and mistakes. Jesus, in turn spoke about the kingdom of heaven and his desire for people to understand the love of the Father. There was no rebuke, no sermon, and no call to repentance. Jesus simply sat with Zacchaeus. Tears of joy and sorrow intermixed as they spoke about life, hardship, food and music. Being in the presence of Jesus was enough to convict Zacchaeus heart. All his sins came to the forefront of his mind. But instead of reeling in shame, Zacchaeus felt a tug on his heart to change. He didn't want to run away from his guilt. Jesus didn't treat him like a leech or scourge. He treated him as a friend worthy of dignity and respect. Zacchaeus desperately wanted to live up to the way Jesus treated him. Zacchaeus rose from the table and walked into the other room. He pulled his account manager aside and spoke in a hushed tone. And spoke in a hushed tone.

[Zacchaeus]

You have the ledger of accounts we've altered, correct?

[Account Manager]

Yes, my Lord. I have a detailed record of every account, including the ones we've charged. More than required. We alternate who to charge more to every quarter to keep the Romans off our backs.

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus brows softened and he buried his face in his hands.

[Zacchaeus]

What a wretch I am, cheating these people out of their money.

[Account Manager]

I'm sorry, my Lord. Since one of you cared about who you've cheated, look at your state. Look at your robes.

[Zacchaeus]

Look at Jesus.

[Narrator]

He pointed to the other room, where Jesus reclined at the table with his friends.

[Zacchaeus]

Every single one of my countrymen have resigned themselves to hate me, but not him. He treats me like a righteous man when I'm clearly not. I want to be the type of man he sees in me.

[Account Manager]

What would you like me to do?

[Zacchaeus]

Find every person on that ledger. Every man we've cheated will receive four times the amount back.

[Account Manager]

That will drain your savings. Master. Are you quite sure half of whatever.

[Zacchaeus]

Is left will go to the poor?

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus gave the command. His manager left in confusion. Zacchaeus didn't seem burdened by his business before. He hadn't given any of his corrupt dealings a second thought until meeting Jesus. He returned to his place at the table.

[Zacchaeus]

Sorry about that, Jesus. Where were we?

[Jesus]

Was something troubling you?

[Zacchaeus]

I'm giving half my possessions to the poor Lord. And whoever I've cheated is being paid back four times this amount. It's time for a change.

[Narrator]

Zacchaeus nodded and lifted his cup in resolution. What Zacchaeus was describing was repentance, although that type of religious word escaped his mind. Jesus returned the Gesture and lifted his cup.

[Jesus]

Today, Zacchaeus, salvation has come to this house. You are also a son of Abraham. You belong.

[Narrator]

The rest of the disciples raised their cups and acknowledged Zacchaeus.

[Jesus]

Your past has not disqualified you from me. For the son of man came to.

[Narrator]

Seek and save the lost Zacchaeus smile lit up the room. Under the warmth of the lamplight, surrounded by friends who accepted Zacchaeus despite his past, Zacchaeus finally felt tall.

[Host (Zach)]

We've all been on the giving and receiving end of acceptance. Likewise, we've all likely been on the giving and receiving end of rejection. Whether we're up against prejudice, an unfavorable experience, or gossip from others, the battle for acceptance is a daily struggle for us. But it's not impossible to overcome. We read in Romans 15 to accept one another. Then, just as Jesus has accepted us, God has accepted us and we have this calling to accept each other. Zacchaeus had long lived without the acceptance of others. He chose a life that put his well being and security first, above those in his community. We don't know why Zacchaeus chose this. It's possible to speculate as to why. Maybe he was already kind of on the fringes of society. Maybe he was rejected by friends. Maybe he wasn't really accepted. For whatever reason, Zacchaeus decides to rise within the ranks of the tax collectors. Basically lap dogs of the Roman government, he had risen to the ranks as chief tax collector and had great rewards because of it. He had land, he had a house, nice clothes and a savings. There wasn't much more he could ask for regarding wealth, but that doesn't mean he had everything he needed. While he may have found everything he needed materially, what Zacchaeus lacked was much more profound as he felt the emptiness inside. Emotionally drained, socially outcasted, and spiritually dry, there was a lot he was lacking in the areas that mattered most. Perhaps you found yourself in this situation. You have everything that you need materially, but you still feel this pit in your stomach. Or maybe you've achieved a lot in life. You've pursued your dreams and you've attained the goals that you sought out to attain. But at the end of it all, you still feel lack. In our story, we see Zacchaeus honest with himself about these feelings as his fellow citizens threw insults his way, spitting at his feet. He held his head high, but in his heart he was burdened with knowing that it was all true. You see, sometimes the scorn and ridicule we receive from people hurts most because we know that it has A tinge of truth to it. When it comes to acceptance, we have to be honest with ourselves. What sort of lifestyle have we been leading? What kind of friends have we been? What areas of our lives genuinely need to change? Where have we allowed ourselves to drift from the heart of God? The people who care about us aren't looking for us to be perfect, but they're looking for us to be honest with ourselves and transparent about our flaws. There's nothing worse than a glaring flaw someone has that they are painfully unaware of. This is a very good way to become a social outcast. You see, people are very gracious with mistakes. People are very gracious with quirks and flaws, but they're less gracious when it seems like you're not aware of it at all. This is why radical self reflection is really important for us to be aware of our flaws, our shortcomings, our idiosyncrasies, and we can live honestly about them in front of others. And that way we can exist in genuine community where the flaws that they see in us, we see in ourselves, and we can work on it together. If we can't be honest with ourselves and others, how can we expect people to welcome us into their lives? Honesty in who we are is important in forming relationships with others and finding our place in a community. While everyone may not accept us as we are, we can be sure that Christ will. And as we embrace Jesus with open arms, he begins to change our perspective on life. Acceptance in the kingdom of God is contrary to acceptance from the world's point of view. God isn't looking for fame, wealth and power in his people. He calls people his children, citizens and friends, despite where they were or where they're going. He's looking for the humble, generous, the meek, and the people who put others first. As Jesus is teaching his disciples. In Matthew 20, he tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. As it concludes, Jesus says, so the last will be first and the first shall be last. Zacchaeus was first in the world, but he was certainly last in the kingdom of God. But once he makes himself last in the world, he makes himself first in the kingdom of God. Jesus point is that there is no social hierarchy in heaven. All have sinned and all have been accepted. All are one in Jesus Christ, and the ground is equal at the foot of the cross. Ask yourself, what's most important to you? What have you been striving for in life? What do you want to be known for? Being accepted by God allows us to view the world a little bit differently. Where once money and success ruled over our lives, the forgiveness and love of God finds predominance. Being accepted by God produces tangible change in our lives. Jesus accepts us as we are, and he doesn't want us to stay the way he found us. God's acceptance doesn't mean he condones our sin and lifestyle in contradiction to Him. He draws us in and welcomes us so that he might free us from what's been keeping us from moving forward. Here's an important point for us. Jesus dining with Zacchaeus and going into his home was by no means an admission that his lifestyle was good. But Jesus knows that when he's present, transformation will occur. You can't change someone's life if you're not willing to do life with them. You can't correct people's lifestyle over the fence. You have to go through their front door, sit at their table and be with them. Don't expect to be effective in someone's life if you're not willing to walk through life with them. And this is an important warning for us as we talk on social media, as we are interacting online. Are you trying to change people's lives without being willing to be a part of their lives? This is a very important thing for us to consider. The profound nature of God's love for us isn't that he just accepts us. It's that he wants what's best for us. God doesn't ignore you or tell you to change before he welcomes you into his family. Nor does he invite you into his presence with the expectation that you'll be trapped under the weight of your sin. He gives us mercy to enter into his presence, but then he pours out grace to give us a better life. Paul explains it like this in Romans 6 what shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning that grace may abound? By no means. If you're looking for acceptance, the search is over. Jesus came to this earth to seek and save the lost. He has found you in your brokenness, feeling like an outcast, and he gladly welcomes you to live life with Him. Feel the warm embrace of his love. Find joy in knowing that you may not be perfect, but through the sacrifice of our Savior, God sees the righteousness of Christ placed upon you. And as you grow as a disciple, ask God to give you the same heart of acceptance towards others. Avoid labeling others and writing them off for what they've done. Don't overlook anyone because of their past, but rather see their potential. God's message is powerful enough to bring anyone from the darkest place and draw them into the light. The love of Jesus is unstoppable, and it's going to change your life if you allow it. This is an I Heart podcast.