What Zacchaeus Was Searching For

Sunday Morning April 1st, 2007

Luke 19:1-10

            I have always named Luke chapters 16 – 19 among my favorites.  There is the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in chapter 16, the healing of the ten lepers and the account of the Rich Young Ruler in chapter 17, the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican in chapter 18, and the events surrounding the salvation of Zacchaeus in chapter 19.  Each of these stories helps us understand the way God relates to His creatures.

            The religious community of Jericho was scandalized when they learned that Jesus planned to dine in the home of the hated tax collector.  Publicans were empowered by Rome to collect taxes and a fee for their services.  Should the individual being taxed not be able to pay, the Publican could lawfully confiscate his property including the hearth, home, wife, and children. 

            Publicans were not allowed to enter the Temple.  Murderers and thieves were held in higher regard than were tax collectors.  Zacchaeus wanted desperately to meet and speak to Jesus but knew that it would be extremely dangerous to join the crowd that always surrounded Jesus.  The little man determined the route Jesus would take, managed to get ahead of the crowds, and was perched in a sycamore tree when the Lord passed by.

            The story of the little tax collector has always intrigued me.  Zacchaeus was at the top of his profession (chief tax man).  He was extremely wealthy and wanted for nothing.  I recall asking my cousin what he had to pay for his wife’s Christmas present one year (10 carat diamond ring).  He replied, “If you have to ask the cost, you couldn’t afford it.”  I believe Zacchaeus was among the loneliest men alive.  He had no friends, no happiness, no peace, and no joy!

            The Medical Examiner just released the autopsy report for Anna Nicole Smith this past week.  Why would a woman with seemingly anything and everything money could buy (allowed to live in a million dollar home for free) choose to abuse drugs to the point of dysfunction?  I’m reminded of Elvis Presley, and Christina Onassis.  Elvis was prescribed more than 5,000 pills the last year of his life.  His associates reported that he was always lonely.  Christian Onassis’ biography was entitled; All the Pain Money Can Buy.

I.                    What Was Zacchaeus Looking For In Jesus

A.    A friend that could see past the flaws and love the man

B.     He was looking for pardon and forgiveness

C.    For affection he did not have to pay for

II.                 We Must Understand That Jesus Knows Us

A.    Whether we are genuine or not

1.      We can fool others, even ourselves, but never Him

2.      He knows it all

B.     There is no hiding even our thoughts from the Lord

III.               In Spite of Everything, He Wants Us

A.    To be His child

B.     To make up His family and perform His service

IV.              And, He Loves Us!

A favorite story of mine from early church history says that Zacchaeus was always a little strange after his conversion.  He only taxed people what they truly owed and was often seen with a watering can and spade.  His wife was so concerned for her husband that she commanded one of the servants to follow him.  It seems that every other day or so, Zacchaeus could be found digging about the roots and watering a certain sycamore tree!

            The little man from Jericho had his life truly changed.  As it turns out, the only kind of faith worth having is the kind that changes us!