Thursday, November 5, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 1 Kings 19-22 | John 14

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to believe in God's forgiveness for someone else than to accept it for yourself?

We remind others that God's grace is bigger than their past. We believe someone who has spent years running from God can turn their life around.

I've looked back at things I've said or decisions I've made, wishing I could change them. Even after asking God for forgiveness, I've caught myself replaying those moments, allowing regret to overshadow the grace he extended.

Isn't it interesting how we can believe Jesus paid the price for our sins, yet question whether his grace is enough for our own?

That's not the Jesus we meet in Luke 19.

Jesus was passing through Jericho when he encountered Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector. Zacchaeus climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Jesus stopped, looked up, called him by name, and invited himself to Zacchaeus' home.

The crowd was furious. Why would Jesus spend time with someone like him? They saw a man defined by his mistakes. Jesus saw a life grace could transform.

That encounter changed Zacchaeus. He responded with repentance, generosity, and a willingness to make things right.

Luke 19:10 
For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.

Jesus didn't wait for Zacchaeus to clean up his life before approaching him. He met Zacchaeus right where he was, and that encounter led to transformation.

Think about that. Jesus already knew who Zacchaeus was, yet he still called him by name. And he knows us just as well. He knows every mistake we've made, every failure we've tried to hide, and every reason we might believe we're unworthy.

He knows the full story and still chose the cross.

Jesus didn't sacrifice his life because we finally became worthy of saving. He gave his life because of his incredible love for us.

Maybe you're carrying shame over something God has already forgiven. Maybe you've convinced yourself you've wandered too far or made too many mistakes.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. So why do we keep convincing ourselves that our mistakes could somehow put us beyond his reach?

The same Jesus who stopped for Zacchaeus is still pursuing you today. 

Your past is part of your story, but it doesn't get to determine your future with Jesus.

Questions: 
Is there something from your past that you've allowed to define you, even though you've asked God for forgiveness?

How would your relationship with Jesus change if you fully embraced the truth that he knows your entire story and loves you anyway?

Next Steps: 
Watch the lyric video for “I'd Do It Again” by Andrew Ripp. As you listen, reflect on the truth that Jesus knew your entire story and still chose the cross. What would change if you truly believed his love for you has never been in question?

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing every part of my story and loving me anyway. Forgive me for the times I've allowed shame and regret to overshadow your grace. Help me stop looking backward and start living in the freedom Jesus gave his life for. In Jesus' name, amen. 

Written by Monique Myers, a regular contributor to the Daily Devotional.