“Hospitality of Christ and the Call to Holiness”
(Luke 19:1–10 & 1 Timothy 3:1–16)
In Luke 19:1–10, we meet Zacchaeus—a wealthy, corrupt tax collector whose curiosity led him to climb a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. What follows is one of the most personal and transformative encounters in all of Scripture. Jesus stops beneath the tree, calls Zacchaeus by name, and declares, “Today I must stay at your house.” That simple act of divine hospitality shatters every social boundary and reveals the heart of the Gospel: no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Zacchaeus’ life changes instantly. Joy replaces shame, repentance replaces greed, and generosity replaces selfishness. His story reminds us that when Jesus enters a life—or a home—everything changes.
But salvation does not end with an emotional moment; it produces visible fruit. Zacchaeus’ transformation demonstrates that holiness is not just about belief but about behavior. When Christ dwells within us, He reshapes our hearts, priorities, and actions. Like Zacchaeus, we are invited to open our lives to Christ’s presence and to let His holiness reform us from the inside out.
In 1 Timothy 3:1–16, Paul turns this personal transformation into a pattern for leadership within the church. He outlines the qualifications for bishops and deacons—leaders who must be above reproach, faithful in their homes, hospitable, and able to teach. Leadership in God’s house is not about position or power; it is about humility, faithfulness, and service. Bishops (or pastors) are called to shepherd God’s people with integrity and care, and deacons are called to serve with purity and sincerity. Both offices reflect the same truth: the church’s strength depends not on the charisma of its leaders but on their character.
Paul concludes with a powerful declaration—the “mystery of godliness”:
“God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”
This hymn of praise reminds us that all ministry, leadership, and holiness flow from Jesus Christ Himself. He is the model, the message, and the means by which the church stands as “the pillar and ground of the truth.”
Taken together, Luke 19 and 1 Timothy 3 reveal that the call of Christ is both personal and communal. Like Zacchaeus, each believer is called to repentance and hospitality—to welcome Jesus into every corner of life. And like the church leaders Paul describes, every believer is also called to holiness—to live in such a way that others see the truth of the Gospel lived out through us. Whether we lead a church, a home, or a classroom, we are all ministers of grace, called to reflect the character of Christ through our service, speech, and love.
Challenge Statement
Jesus is still calling by name—inviting you to come down from your place of comfort, open your heart, and let Him in. When you do, your home, your priorities, and your purpose will never be the same. This week, choose to live as Zacchaeus did: joyfully repent, give generously, and let your life become a living testimony of Christ’s transforming hospitality and holiness.