Luke 19:1-10 The Savior who seeks the Lost

Intro: It is interesting when reading through the full account of our Lord’s life & ministry found in the Gospels

To observe those occasions when He uttered some great Word / some profound word that we have no record or Him ever REPEATING

  1. Such a situation took place – in John Ch. 3 when Jesus met w/ that Religious Ruler Nicodemus declared

    2. Unless a man be born again he cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven !!!
  2. This is a UNIVERSAL TRUTH – PARAMOUNT To the Christian faith – VITAL for a persons assurance into HEAVEN – BORN AGAIN
  1. Only Uttered one time
  1. On another occasion Jesus uttered these words to His disciples –

    2. Mrk.10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

  2. In those words uttered only ONE TIME we have the underlying principle of all His life & WORK . - SERVANT WHO GAVE HIS LIFE

 

The Passage before us today is another one of those occasions where Jesus spoke a word that is recorded only once – yet the Word was a Revelation of HIS MISSION IN THE WORLD

  1. It is found in the LAST PHRASE that we read in v. 10 "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
  2. This is the only time recorded where Jesus spoke these words & yet they are a PROFOUND REVELATION – HIS MISSION TO THIS WORLD
  3. HE CAME TO SEEK & TO SAVE THE LOST !!!!!!

Now here is the neat thing – What the Lord met by this saying is exemplified for us by His actions in the Story /

  1. Before we examine / Begin by Considering what it means to be lost ?

B) It means to be living without hope in this life and in the life to come.

C) It means to be living a life ALIENATED from God and the life of God

Eph 2: 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

2nd WHEN are you lost?

  1. You are lost NOW if you don’t know Jesus

  2. Here is what is interesting is that a person can be lost & not even know it

  1. Ever receive the wrong directions to a place ? You are cruising along like you think that you know where you are going / never get there

  1. I wonder how many people are cruising along thinking that they are going to get to HEAVEN - religious affiliation – ETC / no clue / they are lost

 

When I was growing up – I in O.C. – my parents had a rule when my brother & I were young – Had to stay on the side walk

  1. We could ride our bikes down the street & around the corner as long as we remained on the side walk

  2. Well one day when my little Bro. Al ( Actually bigger than me ) – got lost - took off & we couldn’t find him

  1. We were yelling – neighbors were yelling – he was no where to be found –

  1. We were sure that someone had – taken him / SCARY !!!!

  2. Suddenly a man who lived in the culdesac around the corner from us came and asked us if we were looking for a LITTLE BOY

  1. We said yes / he replied I think I found him follow me .

  1. So we followed this guy – to his house & there laying on the door step of his house w/ his door mat pulled up over him like a Blanket was AL

  1. FAST ASLEEP !!!!!

 

NOW HE WAS TOTALLY LOST - BUT HE HAD NO IDEA / Eventually he would find out / Cold night !!!

  1. The Bible tells us that some people are asleep spiritually – result they are LOST IN their sin – they don’t even realize it !!!

  2. Eventually they find out / they begin to realize it – Searching / longing / lack of Satisfaction !!!!/ Paul was lost in RELIGION

  1. Rich young Ruler was lost in his GOODNESS /

ZACH in his RICHES

I read about two teenagers in Chicago who wanted to prove their love for each other. They went to the top of a six story building, kissed each other, and jumped off. They left a note saying, "We're looking for a better place." The girl was killed. The boy was seriously injured.

I thought, I wish someone had told them there is a better place. Earth is a better place when Christ comes and lives within. Heaven is a better place.

 

3rd What are the AFFECTS OF BEING LOST

A) When you do NOT know Jesus, you are a LOSS to your family

  1. IF you are NOT a child of God, your family is suffering as result.....

  1. Because You are NOT being the kind of leader you should be... Your children are suffering because of YOU

C) You are a loss to your community

D) And You WILL be lost when you stand before God Rev 20:11-15

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the

earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

  1. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books

were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev. 20 is describing that time when those who are lost – will stand before God – RECEIVE JUDGEMENT - names not written ……

  1. It is BEYOND the human imagination to comprehend what it will mean

    2. to be LOST when you stand before God

  2. When the gavel comes down and you here the final verdict and you hear

those that word: "LOST"

  1. It is no wonder that Jesus said: Mat 13:50 And He shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

C) But here is an AWESOME TRUTH – no body has to be lost – why ?

Because JESUS CAME TO SEEK …….. LOST !!!

Now lets Consider What the Lord met by this saying as we see it exemplified for us by His actions in the Story /

  1. Note 5 things concerning how Jesus sought out this man who was LOST !!!!!

1ST JESUS WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO REACH THE LOST

19:1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

  1. Jesus is on the road from Galilee heading toward Jerusalem – about to enter the final week in the life of our Lord
  2. As HE was traveling down that road it wasn’t necessary for him to pass through Jericho in order to get to Jerusalem
  1. He could have passed right by - but He didn’t why ? There was a DIVINE APPOINTMENT – WAITING THERE
  1. Similar to Jn. 4 – Jesus replies – I must go through Samaria -
  2. No Jew in his right mind – needed to go through Samaria - / they avoided Samaria – like the plague
  3. It would be like you being in L/A & saying I need to go through Watts

Why did Jesus need to go to SAMARIA

  1. The same reason that – He needed to go through Jericho – there was a Lost Sinner – who needed to MEET HIM!!!
  2. Notice v. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down,

    3. for today I must stay at your house."
  3. If we are going to be effective in that CALLING of seeing LOST SINNERS – GET FOUND –
  1. We too / need to be willing go out of our way!!!!!
  1. We need to be open to being Led by the Spirit – to go out of our way – to step out of our comfort zone !!!!

E) Recently watched part of Video – Jesus people movement – Music

    1. All these young people coming to Christ – God was working – the Church didn’t know what to do w/ them - Chuck Embraced them
  1. Clothes Different / Music was Different / - It was a real stretch

Sometimes I wonder if one of the Reasons we God doesn’t use us like we wished that He did – we have become two comfortable

  1. One of the REASONS I like having Mike Rozell here – not comfortable – guys CRAZY

 

 

2nd thing to note is that JESUS SOUGHT OUT THE WORST GUY IN THAT CITY !!!! ( One of the Last men He called before the Cross)

  1. Zach . was the Chief TAX COLLECTOR in JERICHO

B) Noted a few studies ago / Pharisee & the Tax collector / that Tax

collectors were Jews who worked for the Roman Govt.

  1. It was for that reason that they were considered TRAITORS by their countrymen

C)The tax collectors were required by the Romans to collect a certain

percentage of the wages of those in Israel

    1. Often times if these men would inflate that percentage & keep the rest for themselves
  1. By his normal commission a TAX COLLECTOR – would earn a modest living / if he Cheated people he could become RICH
  1. Notice in v. 2 Luke tells us that Zach. Was a Rich man

 

So not only was he a member of the most hated – profession in Israel / he was a thief & a Cheat - v. 3 mentions – He was Short Stature

  1. Movie- DANNY DEVITO – MAKE A GOOD ZACH./ TAXIS
  2. I find it interesting that Luke makes mention of Zach shortness / reason that he couldn’t see over the crowd –
  1. Interesting because BIBLE TELLS us that all of us were Short spiritually speaking
  1. All have sinned & fallen short of the Glory of God !!!!

 

Interesting when Adam & Eve sinned – fell short – they hid themselves from God / Can came seeking them out

  1. Man & God – have been doing the same thing ever sense then / man hiding & God SEEKING

B) So Jesus sought out the Worst SINNER in town

    1. Encourage you to never right people off !!!!

C)Though it bugs me – flesh – hear of the conversions of guys like Jeffery

Dahmer – it doesn’t surprise me – Just like the Lord

  1. Who knows how many – people were ripped off by Zach. / how many families & lives were ruined by his Cheating & Thievery
  1. But here we see Jesus going out of His way to bring this lost sinner to life

 

3rd note – JESUS CALLED HIM BY NAME . V5

  1. Jesus knew this man – Reminded in John’s Gospel

    2. He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
  2. Jesus knows you by name - / person praying for Jesus knows them

They are not an IT / not a NUMBER - / Jesus knows their name

 

4th – Jesus was seeking fellowship - today I must stay at your house."

  1. The Word Stay is Literally DWELL OR ABIDE – It is the same word that Paul uses in Eph. 3:17

That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith!

B) This word dwell means to be at home in our hearts / to be at

home settled down as a family member!

Ever gone to a persons house where you just didn't feel at home? Don't touch / can't get to comfortable

  1. Paul’s prayer is that Jesus would feel at home in our hearts!

    2. B) That Jesus would Just feel at ease - ZACH. Received him joyfully

    1)But a lot of people treat Jesus more like a guest than a family member

    Here is living room / bathroom is down the Hall

    C) But Jesus desire is that our hearts would be His home! That he

    would move freely in our lives / unhindered

    1) He wants to come in & remodel & redecorate

    D) People w/ that gift amaze me ! Take plaids/ florals/ solids

    various colors / some how it goes together!

    1) I think that doesn't match !/ come back later Wow!

     

    My wife is good in this area !/

    A) 1st married my apartment decor was great/ Posters

    Michael Jordan / Endless summer / I am /

    B) She came along & said they had to go ! / Go ! Even Michael / not even

    on the back of the front door! Or the office!

    1) She had something Diff. in mind!

    C)Now I just couldn't picture what she had in mind / but when she

    was done it looked great ! Awesome

    1) Even now she is always changing things around / I never

    understand why? But when done Always Great

    D)Now I have Learned to just let her do her thing ! She gives me the Garage

    1) See When we were married My house became her house too !

    Jesus wants our heart to be His home He wants to move

    freely in our lives / He wants to redecorate / TRANSFORM US

    A) Listen you might not always understand what He is doing

    it might not make any sense / But wait until finished!

  2. Think about it He made the world in 6 days / Just think what He can do

w/ your life if you will just let Him !

1)Lord this is great !/ He says I have been doing this a long time!

REV 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

  1. Often used in evangelism – ( OK ) interesting that Jesus was speaking to a Church . / Jesus on the outside looking in
  1. Because they had become self sufficient / they thought Rich / reality poor
  1. Wonder any here – Become – self sufficient / Dependent – Rich / reality poor
  1. Jesus Knocking – can I come back in -

FAMILY LIFE

RELATIONSHIPS

MINISTRIES -

AREAS WHERE LEANING ON OWN UNDERSTANDING

 

JESUS wants to be at home in our hearts !!!!!

A)Too often we say OK Lord Have free reign / secret rooms

can't go in there ! Whole house not this room!

B) Room of Anxiety / those certain things that you just continue to carry on

own / bite finger nails

C) Room of our Secret sins ! "I can't give this up / too long ! Lord it is just

a little thing no big deal ! You wouldn't be interested "

1) He says I thought this was my home ? Move freely ? Every room?

But Lord!

D) If the house is Jesus house – WE CAN NEVER SAY THAT !!!

 

How would you feel if Jesus came to Your house TODAY for a visit? Would you let Him in?/ RECEIVE HIM JOYFULLY !!!!

A) Would you be embarrassed by what He would see? Mags

Movies / in Frig.

Aa) Would you feel comfortable w/ Him there? Or Uncomfortable if He were to see your interest & pursuits!

B) Would you be Happy / messy / disorganized /but glad He was there!

Here is the interesting thing though when we give Jesus the Key to our hearts & say Come in Be at Home !

A) And He starts doing His thing / WOW! The natural

response is Lord here is the title deed!

B) Make this Your house I will just live here!

 

REV 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

A) Famous painting Jesus knocking on a door / No door knob on

the outside / intentional / opened from inside!

1) Only you can open the door!

  1. Is Jesus on the outside of your life! Does your life revolve around

Him / or is He just a part visit now & then!

Came to RESTORE MAN’S FELLOWSHIP !!!!!!

A) Notice that Jesus sought to get alone w/ Zach.

Times to get away / QUIET PLACE / HEART / TIME /

B) I mention this a lot – because it is so important !!!!!

 

 

So Jesus tells Zach. I want to go to your house today – Zach received Him gladly – notice the reaction of the crowd

7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."

  1. We don’t know what was talked about in the house – we will have to wait until we get to HEAVEN to find out !!!
  2. But we do know what was going on outside the HOUSE – gossip
  3. Can you believe it that Jesus would go & spend time w/ a person like that Zach. Is a Sinner !!!!! Worst Kind !!!
  4. Here is the problem – those on the outside saw only the outside / they had no idea what Jesus was doing on the inside !!!!
  1. The same thing holds true in LIVES today – We need to not be so quick to Judge ( We see outside – doesn’t look to good
  1. Jesus is working on the inside !!!!!!

 

 

5th Zach is a great example of a man who had a true Conversion

  1. Note how saved ? V. 9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;
  2. What mean Son of Abe ?

Abe is considered the Father of the Faith – and many Jews believed that because they were ethnically / nationally related to Abe –

  1. They felt that they would be allowed to enter the Kingdom of God
  2. Jesus is correcting that MISNOMER !!!!! Truly this man is a Son of Abraham – because of His FAITH

Now this provides for us a very interesting Point THEOLOGICALLY

SPEAKING

  1. See Paul declared in Romans 4 that Abe – believed God & it was accounted to Him for RIGHTEOUSNESS / JUSTIFIED
  2. The ref. Is from Gen . 15 when God told Abe that He would give him a Son – despite his old age – Sarah’s barrenness
  1. We are told that Abe believed God – didn’t Consider his old age or the deadness of Sarah’s womb -
  1. Abe took God’s word at face value - & it was accounted to him as RIGHTEOUSNESS / JUSTIFIED
  2. And Paul is using that occasion in the life of Abe to illustrate his theme that a person is Justified by faith ALONE – apart from the works the law

 

But then in James Ch. 2 James is talking about how faith w/ out works is dead & how true faith will be evidenced by works !!!

A) And James also uses Abe to illustrate his point - James chooses that

episode in Abe’s life where – told to sacrifice Isaac

B)Isaac was in his late teens / maybe even 20’s – take him offer him

  1. And so Abe did - & James declares that Abe was JUSTIFIED BY HIS WORKS – when he offered up Isaac

v.24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

So are Paul & James contradicting one another ? Paul says faith ALONE – James says FAITH & WORKS

  1. Are they contradicting one another ? No not at all / Not contradicting / but complementing
  2. Remember Paul’s focus not by keeping the Law / Not Justified by the works of the Law
  3. It is not that Paul didn’t believe in Works – but his premise the whole point of his writings that Ch. Focus on how a person cannot be saved
  1. by keeping the works of the LAW!!!!!

 

Paul was pointing out how we cannot trust in our works to give us right standing w/ God -

  1. The Bible declares that our Works – are like Filthy rags before ….
  2. Idea of a Beautiful garment – that was worn by a LEPER - gorgeous on the outside / but contaminated on the inside – wouldn’t put it own

    3. 1) Expensive Suit – sprayed by a Leper – best you an do is Burn it

     

    Paul is saying it is not by the works of the Law / Not keeping the Law – because we can’t – it is by Faith in Finished work of Christ

    A) But Paul was a believer in WORKS – that is why He was so active

    Eph.2: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

    9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

    10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

    B)Now James picks up where Paul leaves off showing that Abe’s faith was

    manifested by His works – ( Not works of the Law)

  3. Abe had true faith because he did what God told him to do & he believed

That God would do what He said that he would do

  1. God said from Isaac your seed – Make great Nation - / Heb. Insight – believed God would RAISE HIM UP !!!!
  1. So it is not Faith or Works / or Faith & Works / but it is Faith that works

True faith will be Manifested By works

 

And that is the Link that Jesus gives us here in this passage / link between Paul & James

  1. Jesus goes into the house & shares something w/ ZACH. & his faith is ignited he believes - ( obvious JESUS revealed who he WAS)
  2. ZACH BELIEVED – his faith was ignited & then demonstrated by v.8
  1. 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."
  1. Jesus concluded that SALVATION HAD COME TO HIS HOUSE

1) ZACH’S faith was MANIFESTED by his WORKS !!!!1

Zach. Life prior to this was defined by the words I get / Now his life would be Characterized by the Words I GIVE

  1. Before – Mastered by GREED / NOW MASTERED BY GRACE
  2. PAST – I ROB / NOW / I RESTORE
  3. He went into the house in the grip of Rottenness / came out Possessed by RIGHTEOUSNESS !!!!!

WHAT HAPPENED / THE ANSWER IS FOUND IN THE LORD’S STATEMENT – TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE/

Because Jesus came to seek & to save the lost !!!!!!