Pinnacle Message Ministries Blog
SUNDAY ENCOUNTER — SERIES TWO
Sunday Encounter #25 | November 1, 2026
Pinnacle Message Ministries
When Jesus Calls You by Name
An encounter with grace that changes your direction.
Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1–10
“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.”
— Luke 19:5 (KJV)
Zacchaeus climbed a tree because he wanted to see Jesus. He did not know that Jesus would stop beneath its branches and call him by name.
He had wealth and position, yet something drew him toward the road where Jesus was passing. The crowd stood between him and the person he wanted to see. Being short, he could not look over their shoulders, so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree.
There he waited, watching from above.
Perhaps you recognize something of yourself in that picture. You are interested in drawing closer to God, but you keep a little distance. You listen to a message, read a devotional, or whisper a prayer while wondering whether there is room for someone with your history.
The story of Zacchaeus invites us to look again at the heart of Jesus.
Jesus Sees Beyond the Crowd
To the people of Jericho, Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector—a wealthy man associated with an occupation they distrusted. They knew his reputation. They had already formed their conclusions.
Jesus looked up and addressed him personally.
What a moment that must have been: to hear his own name spoken by the One he had come to see.
Your life is fully known to God. He sees the choices you regret, the questions you carry, and the longing beneath the surface. You can approach Him honestly. You do not have to prepare a more impressive version of yourself before you pray.
Come Down and Receive Him
Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down because He would stay at his house that day.
Zacchaeus responded quickly and received Him joyfully. The encounter moved from watching at a distance to welcoming Jesus into his home.
Faith calls for that personal response. We can hear about Jesus for years, yet still hesitate to entrust our daily lives to Him.
As this new month begins, consider where you need to welcome His direction. It may be a habit you have defended, a resentment you have carried, or a decision you have kept outside your prayers.
Bring that part of your life before Him. Ask Him to teach you how to respond.
Grace Changes How We Live
The crowd complained that Jesus had gone to be the guest of a sinner. Inside that encounter, however, something was changing.
Zacchaeus stood and declared that he would give half his possessions to the poor. If he had taken anything through false accusation, he would restore it fourfold.
His response was practical. His money, his treatment of others, and his responsibility for past wrongs all came under the influence of this encounter with Jesus.
We cannot purchase salvation through generosity or good behavior. Yet receiving Christ leads us toward repentance—a changed direction that becomes visible in our choices.
Sometimes the next faithful step is an apology. Sometimes it is returning what belongs to someone else, telling the truth, or sharing with a person in need.
Ask yourself: What would obedience to Jesus look like in my life this week?
A New Beginning With Christ
Jesus declared that salvation had come to that house. He then explained His mission:
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
— Luke 19:10 (KJV)
Zacchaeus began the day hoping to catch a glimpse of Jesus. He encountered the Saviour who had come to seek the lost.
This November, you can bring your whole life to Christ. Receive His mercy. Confess what needs to change. Trust Him enough to take the next step of obedience.
The grace that welcomes you also teaches you a new way to live.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for seeking the lost and welcoming those who turn to You. I come before You with my questions, my failures, and my need for mercy.
Forgive my sins and help me receive You with a willing heart. Show me where I need to change. Give me courage to make things right where I can, generosity toward those in need, and faith to follow Your Word.
As this new month begins, guide my choices and deepen my love for You. May Your grace be seen in the way I treat others.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Your step this week: Read Luke 19:1–10 slowly. Identify one practical act of obedience and follow through prayerfully.
Pinnacle Message Ministries
www.pinnaclemessage.com
