And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. –Luke 19:5-6

Sometimes, getting “lost in the crowd” has nothing to do with our physical stature.  For the last four years I have volunteered as a Reading Buddy for Springfield Public Schools through the Council of Churches RSVP program.  One day a week, for 30-minute sessions, I work with a student or students in the 1st through 3rd grade who has been noticed by their teacher to be behind in their reading skills. 

As the majority of students have advanced in their reading ability, these students have lagged behind.  They are in danger of getting “lost in the crowd.” 

When I talk with the teacher about the student assigned to me, I frequently hear them use the phrase “He/she needs some one-on-one time.”   Someone who will give them some personal attention to help them improve.

In our passage for today, Jesus noticed Zacchaeus up in the tree.  Jesus knew that Zacchaeus needed some “one-on-one” time, so he called him down and went to his home.  How exciting that must have been for Zacchaeus!  And how life changing!

While Zacchaeus had to wait for Jesus to come to his hometown to be able to spend time with him, we have the blessing of having him with us always!

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, It is very comforting to know that anytime, anywhere, we can have “one-on-one time” with you.  Thank you for always noticing us and recognizing our needs.  Amen

– Contributed by LaDonna Johnson

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Bible Reading

Read Luke 15 and record any insights you gain here.

Call to Connection

Write a list of ten ways God has worked in your life. Journal a prayer of thanksgiving for Jesus’ unending connection to you.