Journey to Jerusalem: Jesus Heals and Saves the Lost

Have you ever been stuck in a crowd, not sure where you’re headed? I’m not a fan of crowds—sometimes it feels like you’re lost in the chaos, trying to find your footing, or even invisible. This week in our scripture reading, we're in the frenzy of the crowd, and Jesus steps in. He moves through the noise with purpose, touching lives and seeing people no one else sees. 

In Luke chapter 18, Jesus walks through a busy street and stops for a blind man—a man society has ignored. This man calls out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus does what no one else could: He restores his vision—not just of the world, but of himself. Jesus sees him. And in that moment, his life is transformed. 

Next, we meet Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, struggling to get a glimpse of Jesus. He climbs a tree, isolated, out of place. But Jesus sees him, too. He calls Zacchaeus down and says, “I must stay at your house today.” In that moment, Zacchaeus knows: This is my chance for something new. 

What ties these stories together? It’s not just healing or transformation—it’s radical love. Jesus doesn’t see the blind man as a problem or Zacchaeus as a sinner to avoid. He sees them, deeply, with compassion and understanding, offering them a path to something greater. 

And here’s the truth: This is our story too. 

In a world that often feels overwhelming, filled with noise and distraction, we can feel lost and overlooked. But Jesus cuts through all that. He sees you. He sees me. He sees us, with all our mess, and calls us forward into transformation. He invites us into something new—something redemptive. 

As we journey through Lent, we are invited to step into new places. Places that challenge us, places we may be afraid to go. But God isn’t afraid of the mess. We don’t need to clean ourselves up first. Jesus is already moving us forward—into new life, new community, and a new world. 

So, come as you are—no pretending. Let’s trust each other and the healing already happening among us. Together, let’s move forward in faith, hope, and love. 

I’m honored to walk this path with you. 

Peace, 

Pastor Katie