What did Jesus consider his reason for living? The answer to that question is found in a verse we should all memorize from today’s reading: “The Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).

Jesus said these words on a day when he was passing through Jericho. Everyone wanted to see him, so the street was crowded, and Zacchaeus the chief tax collector ended up climbing a tree in order to see over the crowd (19:2-4). Then Jesus looked up in the tree, called Zacchaeus by name, and invited himself to stay at Zacchaeus’ house (19:5).

This caused grumbling, as people commented that Jesus had “gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner” (19:7). There are some brief details about the conversation between Zacchaeus and Jesus (19:8-9), but the key point is the way Jesus responded to those who complained about his visit to Zacchaeus: it’s all about seeking and saving the lost. Most of the crowd were distracted by their disdain for people like Zacchaeus, and so they weren’t getting that point. Most of us have the same problem, when we’re looking at an individual or a group of people that we actively dislike. But what if, as followers of Jesus, we decided our primary concern was not judging people, but helping them find their way to salvation?

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After all, it is only because you came to seek and save the lost, Jesus, that we ourselves ever found salvation. Give us the same eyes of mercy and compassion: seeking blessing and restoration for all the troubled people around us, rather than their condemnation.