Worth a Great Deal More Than You Think!

Have you ever felt like an outcast, like nobody cares? Has it ever seemed like people just wished you would disappear, go away, leave? Maybe you look at yourself and wonder if you will ever be worth anything to anybody? The truth is you are worth a great deal more than you think!

Consider the story of the little man named Zacchaeus. If you were in church as a child, you would’ve probably heard stories about this little insignificant guy—stories still circulating about him over 2,000 years after his death! 

The Bible tells his story this way: “There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since He was about to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, because today I must stay at your house’” (Luke 19:2-5 CSB).

What we know about this man is that he was hated by those around him because he was tax collector. While that doesn’t really seem that bad on the surface, these guys were considered traitors because they were collecting taxes and revenue from the people for a foreign government that was also hated. To top off his problems, he was short in stature.

But, Jesus came to town. As was always the case, people had flocked all around Him and this little short guy wanted a peek at Him as His name had become very well known throughout the country. He climbed up in a tree and as Jesus passed by, He looked up, laid eyes on Zacchaeus and spoke directly to Him. He didn’t condemn Him or belittle him; rather, He told him to come on down as He was headed to his home to spend some quality time. Now with thousands of people around Him, Jesus could have chosen anyone of them but He chose Zacchaeus.

Of course, all the religious people standing around were infuriated that Jesus would have anything to do with this traitor but Jesus looked beyond what natural eyes normally see and saw significance in this little guy. He went to his home and shared a meal with Zacchaeus and as the story goes, Zacchaeus’ life was transformed. His heart changed; his life changed; his motives changed. He went out and paid back everybody he had ever ripped off or cheated as a tax collector.

Why? What happened? Zacchaeus was worth a great deal more than he could ever imagine and Jesus recognized that. Today, if you are feeling insignificant, Jesus sees you as significant—He sees you as valuable. Turn to Him and find your real worth.

If you know someone today who has been down and out, lacking in self-confidence and having a negative outlook on life, challenge them with positive words and praise, encourage them and let them know they are worth a great deal more than they think!

Scripture Reading: “What is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? You made him little less than God and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet” (Psalm 8:4-6 CSB).

Prayer: Father, I am often overwhelmed by my fears and insecurities. I often feel as though I am all alone, no one really cares about me at all. I pray You would wrap me in Your arms and embrace me at these times. Help me to recognize that You see something bigger in me than I could ever imagine. Help me to see that You gave Jesus to die for me. Help me to understand and then to live out my significance. I praise You, Father—in Jesus’ name, AMEN!