The Power of Acceptance
Acceptance is one of the greatest needs in the world. If you reflect on your earliest memories—your first day at school, your first date, or your first sports tryout—you’ll likely remember how much you longed to be accepted. When we find acceptance, it can be one of the most life-changing gifts we ever receive.
But there’s a big difference between fitting in and truly belonging. As Brené Brown explains, “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. However, belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” We all want to belong, not just fit in. We all want to be accepted for who we truly are.
One of the most powerful stories of acceptance in the Bible is found in Luke 19—the story of Zacchaeus. His story reminds us that Jesus' acceptance is unexpected, undeserved, and life-transforming. Through this story, we can learn how to extend radical hospitality to others.
But there’s a big difference between fitting in and truly belonging. As Brené Brown explains, “Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be to be accepted. However, belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” We all want to belong, not just fit in. We all want to be accepted for who we truly are.
One of the most powerful stories of acceptance in the Bible is found in Luke 19—the story of Zacchaeus. His story reminds us that Jesus' acceptance is unexpected, undeserved, and life-transforming. Through this story, we can learn how to extend radical hospitality to others.
A Story of Total Rejection
Before Zacchaeus experienced acceptance, he faced rejection—deep and total rejection. Some of it wasn’t his fault; he was short in stature, which made him an easy target for ridicule. But most of it was self-inflicted. He was a tax collector, and not just any tax collector—he was a chief tax collector. That meant he wasn’t just overcharging his neighbors for their taxes, but he was also training others to do the same. He got rich off the backs of his own people, and for that, he was despised.
Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, a wealthy city along a major trade route. It was the perfect place for the Roman government to set up tax collection booths. But tax collectors weren’t Romans—they were local citizens who had turned against their own people to collect money for Rome while taking extra for themselves. This made them traitors in the eyes of the Jewish people. Zacchaeus was an outcast, and he knew it.
Zacchaeus lived in Jericho, a wealthy city along a major trade route. It was the perfect place for the Roman government to set up tax collection booths. But tax collectors weren’t Romans—they were local citizens who had turned against their own people to collect money for Rome while taking extra for themselves. This made them traitors in the eyes of the Jewish people. Zacchaeus was an outcast, and he knew it.
A Story of Unexpected Acceptance
Despite being rejected by society, Zacchaeus had heard about Jesus. More importantly, he had heard that Jesus welcomed sinners. When he learned that Jesus was passing through Jericho, he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of the teacher.
And then, something unexpected happened. Jesus stopped. He looked up. And he called Zacchaeus by name.
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).
Imagine the shock of the crowd. Out of all the people lining the streets, Jesus chose the most hated man in the city to have a meal with. In that moment, Zacchaeus wasn’t just noticed—he was seen. He wasn’t just looked at—he was known. Jesus didn’t just pass by; he invited Zacchaeus into relationship.
This is radical acceptance. Jesus didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to clean up his life before extending an invitation. He accepted him first. And as a result, Zacchaeus changed.
And then, something unexpected happened. Jesus stopped. He looked up. And he called Zacchaeus by name.
“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).
Imagine the shock of the crowd. Out of all the people lining the streets, Jesus chose the most hated man in the city to have a meal with. In that moment, Zacchaeus wasn’t just noticed—he was seen. He wasn’t just looked at—he was known. Jesus didn’t just pass by; he invited Zacchaeus into relationship.
This is radical acceptance. Jesus didn’t wait for Zacchaeus to clean up his life before extending an invitation. He accepted him first. And as a result, Zacchaeus changed.
A Story of Real Repentance
Something incredible happens when we experience true acceptance—we begin to change. The moment Jesus called Zacchaeus by name, his heart started shifting. By the time they sat down for a meal, he was ready to take action.
Zacchaeus stood up and declared:
That is real repentance. It wasn’t just words—it was a complete turnaround. Zacchaeus went from being a greedy swindler to a generous giver. He didn’t just make things right; he went above and beyond. This is what happens when Jesus truly transforms a person’s heart.
And how did Jesus respond? He declared, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Zacchaeus wasn’t saved because he gave money away. He was saved because he encountered Jesus, who changed him from the inside out.
Zacchaeus stood up and declared:
“Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8).
That is real repentance. It wasn’t just words—it was a complete turnaround. Zacchaeus went from being a greedy swindler to a generous giver. He didn’t just make things right; he went above and beyond. This is what happens when Jesus truly transforms a person’s heart.
And how did Jesus respond? He declared, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Zacchaeus wasn’t saved because he gave money away. He was saved because he encountered Jesus, who changed him from the inside out.
A Call to Radical Hospitality
The story of Zacchaeus teaches us a crucial lesson: Jesus calls us to extend the same kind of radical hospitality he modeled. Just as Jesus saw Zacchaeus and invited him to a meal, we are called to see others, accept them, and invite them into our lives.
Radical hospitality starts with two simple steps:
Radical hospitality starts with two simple steps:
- Accepting Others Wherever They Are on Their Journey to Jesus
- Acceptance doesn’t mean celebrating every choice someone makes. It means seeing them as a person of eternal value.
- It means believing that deep down, they need Jesus, even if they don’t realize it yet.
- It means welcoming them as Jesus welcomed us—without judgment, but with love.
- Extending a Table Invitation
- Hospitality is one of the most powerful tools we have with which to show the love of Christ. It doesn’t require perfection—it simply requires an open heart.
- You don’t need to cook a gourmet meal or have a spotless house. A cup of coffee or a simple dinner is enough.
- When we invite people to our table, we communicate, “I see you. I value you. You belong.”
Who Is Your One?
Jesus looked for one person that day in Jericho. And he still looks for individuals today. So here’s the challenge: Who is your one? Who in your life needs to experience the radical hospitality of Jesus through you?
Is it a coworker? A neighbor? A family member? A friend?
Pray and ask God to show you the person he is leading you to invite. Then, take the step. Extend an invitation. Share a meal. Create a space where someone feels seen, known, and accepted.
Because when we extend hospitality, we reflect the heart of Jesus. And that’s the greatest gift we can give.
“Lord Jesus, let us see others as you see them. Give us your heart of hospitality and show us who’s ready to be invited to a meal offered in love. Amen.”
Is it a coworker? A neighbor? A family member? A friend?
Pray and ask God to show you the person he is leading you to invite. Then, take the step. Extend an invitation. Share a meal. Create a space where someone feels seen, known, and accepted.
Because when we extend hospitality, we reflect the heart of Jesus. And that’s the greatest gift we can give.
“Lord Jesus, let us see others as you see them. Give us your heart of hospitality and show us who’s ready to be invited to a meal offered in love. Amen.”