Zacchaeus

Navigating a language barrier during Bible studies can be challenging. However, as we read through passages in our own Bibles and listen to our national partners, it provides an opportunity to reflect on the scripture before us.

I think back to the story of Zacchaeus we studied earlier this week. Jesus didn’t just speak to him from a distance; He didn’t just ask to stay at his house. Instead, Jesus approached him directly and said, “I must stay at your house today,” and Zacchaeus welcomed Him gladly. When Jesus entered Zacchaeus’ home and life, Zacchaeus experienced change, repenting of his former dishonest ways. Our heart is like a house, with each room representing different aspects of our life- our thoughts, desires, time, talents, and even the hidden areas we try to keep from God. We all have rooms we’re tempted to keep closed, whether habits, priorities, or sins we believe are ours to manage. But Jesus desires full access, not just a visit to the living room on Sundays. When we surrender every space, our thoughts, desires, actions, and secrets, He brings transformation and purpose. True discipleship means not just inviting Him into our house but giving Him the keys.

While being on the mission field, I’ve come to see how the story of Zacchaeus applies not just to the people we’re reaching, but to us as missionaries too. It’s easy to focus on serving, teaching, and doing ministry well, but Jesus is still saying to us, “I must stay at your house today.”

Being here has exposed rooms in my own heart- places like impatience, pride, or comfort that I didn’t even realize I was holding back. And I’ve seen the same in our whole team. God has been working on all of our hearts- bringing us to tears, opening up the hard parts of our pasts, and creating vulnerable moments that lead to healing, repentance, and deeper surrender. These aren’t just emotional moments; they’re moments of transformation, of letting go.

Through honesty, accountability, and shared growth, Jesus is changing not just what we do, but who we are. Just like Zacchaeus, real change comes not from performance or doing ministry well, but from letting Jesus fully enter our lives. True discipleship in missions means daily surrender, letting Him shape not only what we do, but who we are. It’s not just about helping others open their hearts to Him- it’s about continually handing Him the keys to ours.

We ask for prayers as God works on each of our hearts.

Isaiah 40:28-31

• Pray we would remember that our strength comes from the one who never grows tired. Pray that we lean into this promise as we feel weak spiritually, mentally and physically

Luke 19:5-6

• Pray we will continually invite Jesus in our hearts to change us each day, to mold us to be more like Him.

- Holland

Bicol Media Team