Christ Saves Zaccheus

Title: Christ Saves Zaccheus

Introduction:We often see people as they are, with all their flaws and shortcomings. But what if we could see them as they could be, transformed by the love and grace of Jesus Christ? Today, we will explore the story of Zaccheus, a man whose encounter with Jesus turned his life around completely. This story teaches us to look beyond appearances and see the potential for change in everyone we meet.

Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1–10

Luke 19:1–10 NIV

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Main Points:

1. First Point: The Character of Zaccheus

Historical/Cultural Background of the Text:

Zaccheus was a publican, a tax collector for the Roman Empire, and in the eyes of his fellow Jews, this made him a sinner and a traitor.

Tax collectors were notorious for being dishonest, often extorting more money than was required. Zaccheus was also a rich man, likely due to his corrupt practices.

Moreover, he was short in stature, which might have made him feel small in more ways than one, especially in the eyes of society.

Explanation of Text: Luke 19:1–4 introduces us to Zaccheus, who, despite his wealth and status, was anxious to see Jesus. His eagerness was so great that he climbed a sycamore tree just to catch a glimpse of Him. This action speaks volumes about Zaccheus' desire for something more than the life he was living.

Luke 19:1–4 NIV

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

Instruction:We often find ourselves like Zaccheus, dissatisfied with our current state, yearning for something greater. Are we anxious to see Jesus, to know Him more intimately? The Psalmist says, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:1). Are we glad to be in the presence of Jesus, to hear His word and follow His ways?

Illustration:Imagine someone of great wealth and influence, climbing a tree just to see someone they believe can offer them more than money and power. It’s an unusual sight, yet it perfectly captures the desperation of a soul seeking redemption.

Application and a Call to Action:Let us not be ashamed or afraid to go to great lengths to draw closer to Jesus. Whether it’s waking up early to pray, setting aside time for Bible study, or even making personal sacrifices, let’s be eager to see and know Jesus in our daily lives.

Transition: Zaccheus' eagerness caught the attention of Jesus, leading to a profound moment of communion that would change his life forever.

2. Second Point: The Communion Between Jesus and Zaccheus

Explanation of Text:In Luke 19:5–6, Jesus stopped, looked up, and called Zaccheus by name, saying, "Come down; I must abide at your house today." This was an extraordinary moment. Jesus, the Son of God, chose to spend time with a man despised by society. Zaccheus responded with immediate obedience, coming down from the tree with joy and welcoming Jesus into his home.

Instruction:Jesus desires to be with us, just as He desired to be with Zaccheus. He invites us to come down from whatever lofty positions we’ve climbed to and to make room for Him in our lives. The question is, are we ready to obey without hesitation, to open our hearts and homes to Him?

Illustration:Consider the joy of a child being called by a beloved parent. The child doesn’t hesitate but runs to the parent with open arms. Zaccheus’ joy at being called by Jesus was like that—a pure, unrestrained joy.

Application and a Call to Action:When Jesus calls us, we must respond with immediate and joyful obedience. He wants to abide in our homes, in our hearts, and in our lives. Let’s make haste to welcome Him, setting aside all excuses and questions, and embrace the joy of His presence.

Transition: However, not everyone was pleased with Jesus' decision to dine with Zaccheus. This leads us to the next point—how others reacted to this divine encounter.

3. Third Point: The Complaining of the People and the Conversion of Zaccheus

Explanation of Text:In Luke 19:7, the people complained, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” Their grumbling highlights a common attitude among the self-righteous—they couldn’t understand why Jesus would spend time with someone they deemed unworthy. But Jesus saw beyond Zaccheus' sins to the potential for his redemption. And indeed, Zaccheus was transformed. He promised to give half of his wealth to the poor and to restore fourfold what he had wrongfully taken (Luke 19:8–10). Jesus affirmed Zaccheus’ salvation, declaring that “Today salvation has come to this house.”

Instruction:We must not be like those who complained. Instead of looking down on others, we should seek to reach out to those who are lost. Jesus’ mission was to “seek and save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Illustration:Imagine a doctor who only treats healthy patients and avoids those who are sick. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Yet, this is how many Christians behave when they avoid or judge those who are in need of spiritual healing.

Application and a Call to Action:Let’s follow Jesus’ example and reach out to those who are spiritually sick. Let’s show love and compassion to those who society often shuns. And like Zaccheus, let us allow the love of Christ to transform us, leading to true repentance and restitution.

Conclusion:

Call to Action:Today, let’s commit to seeing people not as they are, but as they can be through the transforming power of Christ. Let’s be eager to know Jesus, quick to obey His call, and compassionate toward those who are lost.

Summary of Benefits:When we live like Christ, reaching out to the Zaccheus’ of the world, we not only bring others to salvation but also experience the joy of seeing lives transformed. Jesus didn’t see the bad in Zaccheus—He saw the potential for good. Let’s strive to see others through the eyes of Christ and be instruments of His grace and redemption.