Doing What I Am "Not Supposed" To Do
A Reflection
I find myself in interesting situations in ministry: vocal activations, cocoa ceremonies, sound healings. I often wonder, "Am I not supposed to be here?" I always check in with my Father, "What would you like me to do?"
Jesus, time and time again, did what He was not supposed to do in the eyes of the Jewish people.
He healed (worked) and allowed His disciples to pick grain (work) on the Sabbath.
He, alone, talked to the Samaritan women at the well.
He stayed at the Zacchaeus's house, a defiled and despised tax collector....
Jesus enters Jericho with the intention of passing through. The crowd is disappointed that He is not staying and just as He is about to leave, Jesus stops to talk to Zacchaeus, a "tax collector."
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but couldn't because of the crowd. Not only was he despised, but also short. He acts in two highly unusual ways, he runs and he climbs a tree. Middle Eastern adults do not run in public. It is shameful. Trying to hide, he then climbs a Sycamore Fig, a tree with dense foliage, hoping no one would see him. He is embarrassed, yet desperate to see Jesus.
Jesus, still passing through town with the crowd, spots Zacchaeus and calls his name. My commentary suggests that Jesus learns his name and profession because the crowd sees him and starts insulting and shaming him. Jesus recognizes the tension and intervenes. The crowd expects Jesus to say something like, "Zacchaeus you are a selfish oppressor. You have drained the economic life-blood of your own people and given it to the occupiers and to yourself. You must quit your job, repent, and journey to Jerusalem for ritual purification. If you are willing to do these things, on my next trip to Jericho I will enter your newly purified house and offer congratulations. "
Instead, Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus' house. In the eyes of the Jewish people, Zacchaeus' house is defiled. If Jesus enters, he will leave the next day defiled and also in need of ritual cleansing.
The hostility of the crowd turns into hostility toward Jesus. Jesus offers costly grace to Zacchaeus and by doing so takes on the hostility of the crowds.
This story is unique in that it records the response of someone who has received the costly love of Jesus. What does the prodigal son do after the banquet? What happens to the wounded man who received help from the Good Samaritan?
We see a response here. Zacchaeus offers a public, sincere repentance.
Jesus proclaims, "Today salvation has come to this house (Luke 19:9)."
This is the Good News. A sinner has turned towards Jesus. Jesus takes on our punishment and we are set free."He was wounded for our transgressions. By his stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5)."
Jesus did not defile Himself by staying with Zacchaeus. He did as His Father led. He continues doing this all the way to the Cross.
I do not defile myself when I feel the vibrations of sound bowls in a sound healing ceremony or drink cocoa (hot chocolate with less sugar.) I am simply following Jesus, doing as He did, and listening to my Heavenly Father. I pray too, to lead people into His freedom and love.
About the Author
Nova worked inside church walls, evangelizing and building programs for those in the pews, for 12 years. In 2022, she followed Jesus into the nucleus of the New Age people group. She realized they are seeking Jesus and understood His great love for them. She is now developing a ministry to the New Age.
Stay Connected to Nova
Nova is a pseudonym that signifies a new, bright star. If you would like to be invited to the private blog, see pictures from the field, and hear more stories, please fill out this short form.
Staying Connected or Learning More
Help share this and other blogs with your friends and ministry leaders! It would also be a huge help if you could please follow us on social media via the links below! Thank you!
If you would like to receive leadership updates, link here to stay current on All Nations International’s news and prayer efforts! To learn more about All Nations today, visit: www.allnations.international!
Are you wondering if you are wired to go? This area on our web site will help you!
We have plenty other resources (devotion, book club, events) and a monthly global prayer for the neglected! You are welcome to join us.
Give today to see the neglected globally reached — the least, the last, and the lost!
Reaching the neglected globally — the least, the last, and the lost since 1993.
