Verse of the Day for Saturday, April 27, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Saturday, April 27, 2024

Luke 19:10

For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.

Luke 19:10 is a pivotal verse in the Gospel of Luke, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. This verse falls within the narrative of the Zacchaeus story. Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, was considered a sinner and outcast in Jewish society. However, his encounter with Jesus Christ dramatically illustrates the transformative power of grace and redemption.

The context of Luke 19:10 is important for understanding its significance. The story of Zacchaeus, beginning in Luke 19:1, sets the stage. Zacchaeus, in his eagerness to see Jesus, climbs a sycamore tree. Jesus, recognizing Zacchaeus's efforts and his desire for change, invites himself to Zacchaeus's home, much to the dismay of the onlookers who disapproved of Jesus associating with a known sinner.

"For the Son of Man": This title, used frequently by Jesus in the Gospels, reflects both his humanity and his divinity. It's a reference to the prophetic vision in Daniel 7:13-14, blending the idea of a Messianic figure with a representation of humankind.

"Came to seek out": This implies an active effort on Jesus' part. It's not merely a passive presence or an open invitation; it suggests a deliberate action to reach those who are often overlooked or marginalized.

"And to save": Salvation, in the Christian context, encompasses forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life. It's a holistic restoration of a relationship between humans and the divine.

"The lost": This term can be interpreted in several ways. It could refer to those spiritually lost, socially outcast, or even those who have lost their way in understanding God's laws and love. Zacchaeus, in this context, represents someone who is lost in all these aspects but is sought out by Jesus.

The verse, therefore, is central to the Christian message of redemption and grace. It underscores the inclusivity of Jesus' mission, reaching out to even those deemed unworthy or irredeemable by societal standards. It also challenges prevailing attitudes towards sinners and redefines the approach towards redemption, emphasizing active seeking and unconditional love.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
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