The Relentless Pursuit of Love

Luke 19:10 - “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Here’s what I love about Jesus: He goes after people no one else would bother with. He’s not put off by their mess. In Luke 19, we meet Zacchaeus—a wealthy tax collector who’d made his living by robbing his own people. Now, let’s be honest: this guy wasn’t just unpopular—he was despised. He was the guy you avoid at the grocery store, the guy you cross the street to avoid.

But Jesus? He doesn’t dodge Zacchaeus. He seeks him out. He literally calls him by name and invites Himself over for dinner. No lecture, no preconditions—just the pure, unfiltered grace of God entering the home of a sinner.

And here’s the thing: Zacchaeus’ life is radically changed, not because Jesus gave him a list of rules to follow, but because of the sheer power of being loved by God. That love did what no amount of shame, guilt, or religious performance ever could—it made him new.
Let’s not miss this: God’s pursuit is not passive. It’s relentless. He seeks you out in the middle of your rebellion, your addiction, your self-righteousness. He doesn’t wait for you to clean yourself up. He moves toward you.

Reflection Questions:

• When you think back on your life, where do you see the relentless pursuit of God showing up?
• Who in your life needs to experience that same pursuing love?

Think of someone who feels far from God—maybe a family member, coworker, or friend. This week, pursue them with intentional love. That could mean inviting them to dinner, sending an encouraging message, or simply making space for a real conversation.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for coming after me when I was running from You. Your love is relentless, and it has changed me. Help me to reflect that same pursuing love to those around me. Give me eyes to see the lost and the courage to move toward them with grace. Amen.