The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 illustrates a principle of the Kingdom of God which can change the way we see our role in the marketplace.
Zacchaeus was successful in the eyes of the world – he was rich, and had worldly authority as a tax collector (v2). He had influence in the marketplace.
The world saw that Zacchaeus was a sinner (v7). Thankfully, Jesus saw so much more in Zacchaeus!
When Zacchaeus repented, Jesus said that “Today salvation has come to this house” (v9). Here’s what I call the ‘Zacchaeus Principle’:
When somebody in the marketplace meets Christ, they can bring transformation to everything in their sphere of influence (their house, business, city, profession, nation)!
Jesus confirms His intention when He says “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost” (v10). Did Jesus accomplish what He came to do? Of course! That is why he was able to state that “it is finished” on the cross. Know then that Jesus came to seek and to save your household; your business; your city; your nation.
We are called to make disciples – to share the good news and to advance His Kingdom in our sphere of influence. That’s why if you’re in a marketplace role day to day, you’re uniquely positioned to carry out your role in the Church right where you are every day!
