Weekly Devotion
August 31, 2025

Staying or passing through? Thoughts on Luke 18-19

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, the culmination of what he came to earth to do. Nothing could deter him from fulfilling his purpose. Yet, he met so-called interruptions with grace and a lack of hurriedness, for he knew they were a part of his purpose as well.

Luke chose to record two different encounters Jesus had at Jericho. At first glance, they seem to delay Christ’s journey, but these contrasting incidents highlight Jesus’ mission and ministry.

In Luke 18 we read that Jesus approached Jericho. A blind man made such a commotion that Jesus stopped and asked for him to be brought near. This beggar was loud. He wasn’t embarrassed to draw attention to himself or to state his need. He was desperate. Jesus healed him and the people praised God. Out of all the crowd that day, Jesus took time for this individual. He didn’t let his own agenda overrule the pressing need.

Luke 19:1 says that Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. But Zaccheus delayed those plans. Unlike the blind beggar, Zaccheus had wealth. Both were looked down upon, but for different reasons. Zaccheus didn’t want to draw attention to himself. He knew he was too short to see over the crowd, but he wasn’t going to make a spectacle. He was curious, so he quietly made his plan to catch a glimpse of Jesus as he passed by. When Jesus came to the tree where Zaccheus was perched, Jesus said he must stay at his house today. Salvation came to that household because Jesus chose to eat with such a notorious sinner.

Jesus had the ability to discern what was truly important. He never let what we might see as distractions overrule his overriding goal. He saw the individuals and their needs, while keeping his focus on his ultimate purpose. He stopped and stayed, showing compassion to the marginalized, but then continued on to Jerusalem and the cross.

May we have such discernment. Knowing when the interruption is really a part of God’s plan, something that will bring healing, joy, praise, restoration, salvation. But also knowing the grander purpose God has for us. When do we stay, for how long, and when do we pass through?

Written by
Janet Allen