Thursday of the Fifth Sunday in Lent

Read Luke 19:1–10

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Crowds filled the street. This itinerant rabbi has garnered quite a following. My interest in his arrival would have been merely passing, but I heard he had a tax collector within his inner circle. I undoubtedly seemed like a fool for climbing that sycamore tree — but, honestly, who am I to worry about losing social standing?

The rabbi’s procession halted at the base of my tree. He looked at me, called me by name, and invited himself to my house. He saw me — he knew me — and, of everyone in Jericho, he wanted to spend time with me? He made me realize there’s more to me than the life I’ve lived. I’ve seen the light; my life is about to change. Mark my words. No more moneygrubbing for me; now I’ll be known for my generosity. This “son of Abraham” will live up to that name.

Jesus, thank you for seeing us, knowing us, and inviting us to share our lives with you.

Text by Jodi Craiglow

Video from First United Presbyterian Church of Belleville, IL