Are We Distracted from God’s Purpose? Lessons from Jesus and Zacchaeus

Scripture Reading:

Luke 19:5 – “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.”

Introduction: The Danger of Spiritual Distraction

We live in a world full of distractions. Our phones, our schedules, and even our own ambitions often compete for our attention. Yet in the middle of all the noise, God still calls out to us, just as Jesus called out to Zacchaeus that day in Jericho.

Jesus wasn’t distracted by the crowds or the critics. He wasn’t moved by popularity or performance. He had a divine purpose: to meet Zacchaeus. In that single encounter, a lost man found salvation.

The story reminds us that Jesus sees us personally. He knows where we are and calls us by name. But we need to ask ourselves: Are we too distracted to hear Him?

God’s Purpose Is Always Personal

When Jesus stopped under that sycamore tree and called Zacchaeus, it wasn’t random. Scripture says:

“It was God’s will to spend time with Zacchaeus.”

This shows us something profound: God’s will always involves people. He has specific purposes for every believer.

We see the same truth in another familiar passage:

John 4:4 – “And he needed to go through Samaria.”

Jesus “needed” to go there, not because it was convenient, but because a broken, searching Samaritan woman needed to encounter Him. She didn’t know it yet, but God had already scheduled that meeting.

Both Zacchaeus and the Samaritan woman remind us that God’s will is intentional. He doesn’t do things by accident. Every path He leads us down has meaning, even if we don’t see it right away.

Seeking God’s Will in a Distracted World

How often do we truly seek to fulfill God’s will for our lives? Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

We often seek many things: security, success, comfort, approval, but forget that all blessings flow from seeking Him first. When our priorities shift from God’s kingdom to our own, we lose focus.

When was the last time you sincerely asked God to direct your steps? Not just to bless your plans, but to show you His?

Prayer is the act of trusting God even when we don’t see the outcome. It’s not just about asking; it’s about aligning our hearts with His will. When we come before Him in faith, we’re saying, “Lord, I trust You even when I don’t understand.”

And that kind of faith pleases God.

Jesus Stayed Focused Despite the Crowd

As Jesus approached Zacchaeus, a large crowd surrounded Him. Many followed out of curiosity; others, like the Pharisees, followed to criticize. Yet Jesus wasn’t influenced by either group.

Luke 19:3 and 7 tell us that while the crowd pressed in, Jesus kept walking toward His purpose, which was to meet Zacchaeus.

Think about that. The Son of God was surrounded by people, but focused on one soul.

In ministry today, it’s easy to get caught up in the crowd: the numbers, the applause, the platform. But Jesus didn’t measure success by size or popularity. He measured it by obedience.

How many of us would rather minister to one person than a hundred? Who wouldn’t enjoy being admired, appreciated, or followed? Yet the example of Christ reminds us that popularity is not purpose.

When the crowd later tried to make Him king during His triumphal entry, Jesus didn’t embrace it. He knew that was not the Father’s will. His purpose was far greater: to give His life for the salvation of the world.

Matthew 1:21 says:

“And she shall bring forth a son, and you will call his name JESUS: for he will save His people from their sins.”

Even at the height of His popularity, Jesus stayed focused on His mission: to seek and to save the lost.

Are You Walking in God’s Direction?

Distraction is one of the enemy’s most subtle weapons. It doesn’t always come as sin; sometimes it comes disguised as good things that keep us from the best things.

Work, family responsibilities, hobbies, and even ministry can become distractions if they take our eyes off Christ.

So ask yourself:

• Am I walking in God’s direction, or just keeping busy?
• Am I seeking His presence daily, or relying on my own strength?
• Have I allowed the noise of the world to drown out His still, small voice?

God’s will is not hidden from those who seek Him with sincere hearts. Proverbs 3:6 promises, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

If we truly want to know God’s will, we must be willing to stop, listen, and obey, even when it means leaving the crowd behind.

Learning from Jesus’ Example

Jesus’ focus in the story of Zacchaeus gives us a powerful model to follow.

1. He saw people personally.
   Jesus didn’t just see a man in a tree; He saw a heart ready for change.
2. He obeyed His Father’s will.
   Every step He took was guided by divine direction, not public opinion.
3. He invested time in individuals.
   Instead of rushing to address the multitude, He chose to abide with Zacchaeus.

Our calling as followers of Christ is to do the same: to walk closely with the Father, to notice people around us, and to stay faithful in what He has called us to do.

Even one conversation, one act of obedience, or one prayer can make an eternal difference when it’s done according to God’s will.

Why This Matters

You may not be called to preach to thousands or lead a worldwide ministry. But like Zacchaeus, you are called to respond when Jesus calls your name.

God has a specific purpose for your life; a person to reach, a word to speak, a task to complete. But you can only fulfill that purpose when you’re in tune with Him.

Jesus didn’t let distractions or expectations pull Him away from His mission. Likewise, we must stay focused on what God has called us to do.

Have you asked God to direct your steps today? Have you invited Him to “abide at your house,” as He did with Zacchaeus?

When you do, you’ll find that His presence changes everything: your priorities, your peace, and your perspective.

Key Takeaway

When we seek God first and refuse to be distracted, He leads us into His perfect will,  one step, one purpose, one person at a time.

Call to Action

Take a few moments today to pray and ask God:
“Lord, am I walking where You want me to walk? Am I focused on what matters most to You?”

Then decide to put aside distractions: social media, busyness, or self-reliance, and fix your eyes on Jesus. Like Zacchaeus, come down from the “tree” of distractions and welcome Him into every part of your life.

If this devotional encouraged you, share it with someone who might need the reminder to refocus on God’s will. And remember: God’s direction is never random; it’s personal, purposeful, and perfect.

Recommended Resource

If you want to stay grounded in God’s truth and start each morning with renewed focus on His presence, New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp is a wonderful companion. Each day’s reflection helps you realign your heart with God’s Word and trust His purpose even in the midst of distractions.

New Morning Mercies—Note-Taking Edition By Paul David Tripp Start each day with the reminder that God’s mercies are new every morning. This devotional offers 365 gospel-centered readings designed to renew your heart, deepen your faith, and refocus your thoughts on Christ. The note-taking edition provides space to reflect and apply each day’s truth. 📚 Buy on Amazon ✝️ Buy on Christianbook