Getting Your Foot in the Door

1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

I. Zacchaeus the Sinner, Luke 19:1–2 He is a wealthy tax collector.

19:2 chief tax collector. See note on Matt. 5:46.Zacchaeus probably oversaw a large tax district, and had other tax collectors working for him. Jericho alone was a prosperous trading center, so it is certain that Zacchaeus was a wealthy man. It is striking to note that only a chapter earlier, Luke recorded the account of the rich young ruler, and Jesus’ statement about “how hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God” (18:24). Here Jesus demonstrates that with God, nothing is impossible (cf. 18:27).

II. Zacchaeus the Seeker, Luke 19:3–4 He desires to meet Jesus, but he has a problem!

A. The source of his problem, Luke 19:3 He is too short to see Jesus over the crowds!

19:3 the crowd.Christ was probably traveling with a large entourage of pilgrims to the Passover in Jerusalem. But “the crowd” apparently refers to people in Jericho who lined the street to see Him pass through. They had undoubtedly heard about the recent raising of Lazarus in Bethany, less than 15 mi. away (John 11). That, combined with His fame as a healer and teacher, stirred the entire city when word arrived that He was coming.

B. The solution to his problem, Luke 19:4 He climbs up into a sycamore tree.

19:4 sycamore tree. A sturdy tree with low, spreading branches. A small person could get out on a limb and hang over the road. This was an undignified position for someone of Zacchaeus’ rank, but he was desperate to see Christ.

III. Zacchaeus the Sought, Luke 19:5–7 The seeker now becomes the sought.

A. The Savior’s request, Luke 19:5 Jesus sees him and says: “Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today.”

19:5 I must stay at your house. This was worded as a mandate, not a request. It is the only place in all the gospels where Jesus invited Himself to be someone’s guest (cf. Is. 65:1).

B. The tax collector’s response, Luke 19:6 He comes down and welcomes Jesus gladly!

6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.

19:6 joyfully. Such a despicable sinner as a typical tax collector (see note on Matt. 5:46) might have been distressed at the prospect of a visit from the perfect, sinless Son of God. But Zacchaeus’ heart was prepared.

C. The crowd’s reaction, Luke 19:7 They complain that Jesus is associating with this notorious sinner.

19:7 they all complained. Both the religious elite and the common people hated Zacchaeus. They did not understand, and in their blind pride refused to see, what possible righteous purpose Jesus had in visiting such a notorious sinner. But He had come to seek and to save the lost (v. 10). See note on 15:2.

IV. Zacchaeus the Saved, Luke 19:8–10

A. As witnessed by his testimony (19:8)

a. He will give half of his wealth to the poor (19:8a).

19:8 I restore fourfold. Zacchaeus’ willingness to make restitution was proof that his conversion was genuine. It was the fruit, not the condition, of his salvation. The law required a penalty of one-fifth as restitution for money acquired by fraud (Lev. 6:5; Num. 5:6, 7), so Zacchaeus was doing more than was required.

Since much of his wealth had probably been acquired fraudulently, this was a costly commitment. On top of that, he gave half his goods to the poor. But Zacchaeus had just found incomprehensible spiritual riches and did not mind the loss of material wealth. He stands in stark contrast with the rich young ruler in 18:18–24.

b. He will restore fourfold any money to any person he has cheated (19:8b).

B. As witnessed by Jesus’ testimony (19:9–10): He says that Zacchaeus is indeed a saved man![1]

19:9 a son of Abraham. A Jew by race for whom Christ came as Savior (cf. Matt. 1:21; 10:6; 15:24; John 4:22).

19:10 the Son of Man. to seek and to save that which was lost. The main theme of Luke’s gospel. Cf. 5:31, 32; 15:4–7, 32; see notes on 1 Tim. 2:4; 4:10.[2]

Steps to Get Your Foot in the Door or Earning the Right to be Heard

1. Always begin with prayer for the Person(s) you will be visiting.

2. Go with confidence that God will bless your witnessing effort.

A. Remember God is at work in the life of the lost person

B. Remember God is at work in the witness encounter

C. Remember God is at work in your life

3. Review information on the Prospect Card about the person(s) you plan to visit.

4. Do not sit in the car long once you arrive at your destination.

5. Approach the residence without loud talking or noise.

6. Be observant to the surroundings. What can you learn about the prospect(s)?

7. Ring the doorbell and knock several times if necessary.

8. Do not appear over-anxious to get in the residence.

9. Step back from the door when the prospect(s) come to greet you.

10. Clearly identify who you are and why you have come. (i.e., “Hello, my name is Bobby Earls, this is my wife Penny, and our son, Jordy. We’re from the Northgate Baptist Church in Florence. Is this the home of (the name of the prospect(s))?”

If so, ask, “We wanted to come and tell you about our church family and share for a few moments. Is that okay?” (Nod your head forward several times indicating a hopeful, positive response.)

11. The person sharing should seek to sit near the primary prospect to which you hope to witness.

12. Remain positive, alert and attentive throughout your visit.

Myths:

1. People won’t allow you in their homes anymore, like they once did.

2. They will slam the door in my face.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t argue spiritual points or doctrine. State what you believe the bible teaches but be courteous and respectful. Remember, you are a guest in their home.

2. Leave the door open for a future visit.

[1] H. L. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), Lk 19:1–10. [2] The MacArthur Study Bible, ed. John MacArthur, Jr., electronic ed. (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), Lk 19:2–10.

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