[The following is the manuscript of my sermon delivered on the 24th of August, 2014.]
In my daily Bible reading some time back, a single verse attached itself to me and stuck there. And over time as I pondered that verse, a message began to appear, slowly changing from the obvious to something deeper, something more personal. It all started with Zacchaeus…
Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector in the region surrounding Jericho. Now, back then, tax collectors were not fondly looked upon by the people: considered by the devout to be sinners and by most folks to be out and out thieves. They often charged far and above what the Romans demanded of the people, pocketing the difference for their own use. Some became quite wealthy exercising this greedy practice. Zacchaeus himself was very rich.
But then he heard that this Man from Nazareth named Jesus was coming to town. Zacchaeus wanted to see for himself if all the talk about Jesus was true, or just exaggerated rumors. After just a few words from Jesus, Zacchaeus miraculously repented and promised to repay fourfold anything he had taken deceitfully.
I don’t want to make this a Bible study, but it’s the last words Jesus uttered in this brief story that clung to me so fiercely. Luke recorded those words, in chapter 19 of his Gospel, verse 10…
Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector in the region surrounding Jericho. Now, back then, tax collectors were not fondly looked upon by the people: considered by the devout to be sinners and by most folks to be out and out thieves. They often charged far and above what the Romans demanded of the people, pocketing the difference for their own use. Some became quite wealthy exercising this greedy practice. Zacchaeus himself was very rich.
But then he heard that this Man from Nazareth named Jesus was coming to town. Zacchaeus wanted to see for himself if all the talk about Jesus was true, or just exaggerated rumors. After just a few words from Jesus, Zacchaeus miraculously repented and promised to repay fourfold anything he had taken deceitfully.
I don’t want to make this a Bible study, but it’s the last words Jesus uttered in this brief story that clung to me so fiercely. Luke recorded those words, in chapter 19 of his Gospel, verse 10…
10 "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
--Luke 19:10 (NASB)
Let us pray... O God our Father, we come to You this morning in the name of Your Son Jesus. We come to worship You and to praise You and to grow closer to You. Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son to seek us out and save us. Open our hearts now to the message You wish each of us to hear during this time together. In the glorious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Zacchaeus was short and couldn’t see over or around the crowd gathered along the route Jesus was walking through Jericho. But he really wanted to see this Man from Galilee, so he climbed up in a tree to get a better view. Jesus spotted him and said, “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
And right there is another word that caught my attention: “must”. Jesus said “I must be a guest in your house today”. Not “I want to be” or “I should be” or “I’d like to be”, but “I must be”.
Why was it so important that Jesus go with Zacchaeus to his house, to his home? It certainly didn’t sit too well with the rest of the crowd, who grumbled about Jesus going “to be the guest of a notorious sinner”.
But Jesus knew all about Zacchaeus. He knew how he had acquired all his wealth. He knew how the tax collector overcharged his fellow citizens. He knew Zacchaeus’ heart. He knew that the man was lost. So Jesus sought him out, and saved him.
Jesus used that word “must” because He had no choice. And the reason is right there in our message text: because He came to seek and to save all who are lost. This is the mission His Father gave Him. This is precisely why He was sent to earth. Jesus came to us when we were dead in our sin, when we were lost in the darkness. He sought us out and by His great sacrifice He saved us.
And that is the obvious message of this one little verse of scripture that still holds me. But like I said, there is something far more personal that it speaks to me, that it whispers in my ear. Maybe you’ll hear it too if I dig a little further.
Zacchaeus didn’t really know he was lost. I’m sure he was quite well content fattening his own purse at the expense of others. The term “fat and happy” comes to mind. But he had heard about this Jesus from someone somewhere along the line. And someone else mentioned that the Galilean was in town. So he figured he’d go see the Man for himself. Was he seeking out Jesus as anything other than to see a curiosity? Not that the scripture indicates. But things other people said brought him to the place where Jesus would be. Jesus planted those seeds, spread by those people around Zacchaeus.
As a Man walking this earth, Jesus enlisted the aid of other people to help Him carry out His mission, such as when He sent His disciples into the towns and villages to heal and to preach in His name. And He expects us, His current disciples and followers, to continue that work. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 18 through 20, Jesus had risen from the grave but not yet ascended into heaven when He told his disciples and us…
Zacchaeus was short and couldn’t see over or around the crowd gathered along the route Jesus was walking through Jericho. But he really wanted to see this Man from Galilee, so he climbed up in a tree to get a better view. Jesus spotted him and said, “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
And right there is another word that caught my attention: “must”. Jesus said “I must be a guest in your house today”. Not “I want to be” or “I should be” or “I’d like to be”, but “I must be”.
Why was it so important that Jesus go with Zacchaeus to his house, to his home? It certainly didn’t sit too well with the rest of the crowd, who grumbled about Jesus going “to be the guest of a notorious sinner”.
But Jesus knew all about Zacchaeus. He knew how he had acquired all his wealth. He knew how the tax collector overcharged his fellow citizens. He knew Zacchaeus’ heart. He knew that the man was lost. So Jesus sought him out, and saved him.
Jesus used that word “must” because He had no choice. And the reason is right there in our message text: because He came to seek and to save all who are lost. This is the mission His Father gave Him. This is precisely why He was sent to earth. Jesus came to us when we were dead in our sin, when we were lost in the darkness. He sought us out and by His great sacrifice He saved us.
And that is the obvious message of this one little verse of scripture that still holds me. But like I said, there is something far more personal that it speaks to me, that it whispers in my ear. Maybe you’ll hear it too if I dig a little further.
Zacchaeus didn’t really know he was lost. I’m sure he was quite well content fattening his own purse at the expense of others. The term “fat and happy” comes to mind. But he had heard about this Jesus from someone somewhere along the line. And someone else mentioned that the Galilean was in town. So he figured he’d go see the Man for himself. Was he seeking out Jesus as anything other than to see a curiosity? Not that the scripture indicates. But things other people said brought him to the place where Jesus would be. Jesus planted those seeds, spread by those people around Zacchaeus.
As a Man walking this earth, Jesus enlisted the aid of other people to help Him carry out His mission, such as when He sent His disciples into the towns and villages to heal and to preach in His name. And He expects us, His current disciples and followers, to continue that work. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 28, verses 18 through 20, Jesus had risen from the grave but not yet ascended into heaven when He told his disciples and us…
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”--Matthew 28:18-20 (NASB)
We are to go and make disciples of every man, woman and child over all the earth. That’s a pretty tall order, isn’t it. It’s a good thing that He promises to be with us always, all the way up to the very end of this age. And fortunately we don’t have to get in touch with the 7 billion plus people on this earth all by ourselves – we have the help of all Christians, or we’re supposed to.
But we know that not all Christians are comfortable or willing to go out and talk to other people about Jesus. Some are worried about what others will think of them. Some are fearful they’ll be ridiculed or insulted or worse. Some just don’t feel adequate enough to represent our Lord and Savior. For whatever reason, many Christians don’t share their personal testimony.
Of course, we know there are other ways to witness to Christ. The easiest is to show Jesus in our lives, by how we live, by how we love. But before we settle for that silent witness, I’d like us to remember what was said at Jesus’ birth. Back to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 verse 10…
But we know that not all Christians are comfortable or willing to go out and talk to other people about Jesus. Some are worried about what others will think of them. Some are fearful they’ll be ridiculed or insulted or worse. Some just don’t feel adequate enough to represent our Lord and Savior. For whatever reason, many Christians don’t share their personal testimony.
Of course, we know there are other ways to witness to Christ. The easiest is to show Jesus in our lives, by how we live, by how we love. But before we settle for that silent witness, I’d like us to remember what was said at Jesus’ birth. Back to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2 verse 10…
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people.
--Luke 2:10 (NASB)
Good news of great joy!
If you find out there is an absolutely tremendous sale going on, what do you do? Don’t you let others know about it? If it’s a good enough deal, don’t you call and tell friends so they can take advantage of it too? Or say your favorite sports team wins. Maybe State beats Carolina, as unlikely as that is to happen. Don’t you get hold of other fans and share the celebration? Or maybe even tease some of your friends that happen to support the losing side? And FaceBook is chunk full of good news posts. We like to share really good news, don’t we?
Well, would you consider it good news that a way has been offered to you to get out of being punished for all of eternity, but instead to be able to live forever in a place more beautiful than words could ever describe, where there will be no more pain or sorrow, no more crying, where every single need will be more than met? Oh, and as a bonus, you don’t even have to pay for any of this – the arrangements have already been made. All you have to do is believe and promise to live a lifestyle that has been proven to provide great happiness and well-being to folks even here in this life.
Isn’t that really good news? Then why are we hesitant to share it?!? We shouldn’t be afraid, the angel even told us not to be, but too often we are.
Are you hearing that personal message I spoke of yet?
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. And then He handed the job over to us. Go and make disciples, He instructs us. He commissioned us to carry out this job after He ascended into heaven to be with our Father.
Zacchaeus didn’t know he was lost until Jesus gave him the good news that “Salvation has come to this home today”. Many of the people we come into contact with on a daily basis don’t know that they’re lost. Some may have doubts about God and Jesus and all this heaven and hell business. Some may even consider themselves Christians.
Don’t be afraid to tell them the good news. Don’t worry about letting them see how you live your life as a follower of Jesus. Don’t even think about whether they’ll ridicule you for serving One who you can’t even see.
Jesus came to seek and to save. And then He gave us the job to seek and to share. Zacchaeus would never have gone to see Jesus for himself if others had not shared some news with him, and he would not have been saved. If we don’t share this wonderful news with others, they won’t go to where Jesus is walking and He will not be able to save them and they will remain lost.
And that is the personal message this verse today shouts so loudly through my being. We need to seek and to share, so that Jesus can save.
We’re commissioned – let’s get on with the job.
Amen.
Let us pray… Heavenly Father, You sent Your beloved Son into this world to seek out the lost and offer them salvation. He took a beating for us, He bled for us, He died and went to hell for us, and then You raised Him from the grave and He rose to heaven just to show what is in store for us. Father, this is the best possible news there ever could be!
Why then are we so hesitant to share it? It’s not that we don’t want other people to be able to take advantage of this wonderful gift. Yet still we feel uncomfortable approaching others to tell them of Your mercy and grace. Each of us has our reasons, Lord, and You know what they are. Speak to Your Spirit within us to strengthen our resolve, to embolden our hearts, to encourage us to carry out the mission that Jesus left us with just before He came home to You.
Jesus came to seek out the lost and to save them. We who once were counted among the lost and now are saved have a job to do so that others might be found and spared eternal damnation. Help us, loving Father, as we strive to carry out our commission. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
If you find out there is an absolutely tremendous sale going on, what do you do? Don’t you let others know about it? If it’s a good enough deal, don’t you call and tell friends so they can take advantage of it too? Or say your favorite sports team wins. Maybe State beats Carolina, as unlikely as that is to happen. Don’t you get hold of other fans and share the celebration? Or maybe even tease some of your friends that happen to support the losing side? And FaceBook is chunk full of good news posts. We like to share really good news, don’t we?
Well, would you consider it good news that a way has been offered to you to get out of being punished for all of eternity, but instead to be able to live forever in a place more beautiful than words could ever describe, where there will be no more pain or sorrow, no more crying, where every single need will be more than met? Oh, and as a bonus, you don’t even have to pay for any of this – the arrangements have already been made. All you have to do is believe and promise to live a lifestyle that has been proven to provide great happiness and well-being to folks even here in this life.
Isn’t that really good news? Then why are we hesitant to share it?!? We shouldn’t be afraid, the angel even told us not to be, but too often we are.
Are you hearing that personal message I spoke of yet?
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. And then He handed the job over to us. Go and make disciples, He instructs us. He commissioned us to carry out this job after He ascended into heaven to be with our Father.
Zacchaeus didn’t know he was lost until Jesus gave him the good news that “Salvation has come to this home today”. Many of the people we come into contact with on a daily basis don’t know that they’re lost. Some may have doubts about God and Jesus and all this heaven and hell business. Some may even consider themselves Christians.
Don’t be afraid to tell them the good news. Don’t worry about letting them see how you live your life as a follower of Jesus. Don’t even think about whether they’ll ridicule you for serving One who you can’t even see.
Jesus came to seek and to save. And then He gave us the job to seek and to share. Zacchaeus would never have gone to see Jesus for himself if others had not shared some news with him, and he would not have been saved. If we don’t share this wonderful news with others, they won’t go to where Jesus is walking and He will not be able to save them and they will remain lost.
And that is the personal message this verse today shouts so loudly through my being. We need to seek and to share, so that Jesus can save.
We’re commissioned – let’s get on with the job.
Amen.
Let us pray… Heavenly Father, You sent Your beloved Son into this world to seek out the lost and offer them salvation. He took a beating for us, He bled for us, He died and went to hell for us, and then You raised Him from the grave and He rose to heaven just to show what is in store for us. Father, this is the best possible news there ever could be!
Why then are we so hesitant to share it? It’s not that we don’t want other people to be able to take advantage of this wonderful gift. Yet still we feel uncomfortable approaching others to tell them of Your mercy and grace. Each of us has our reasons, Lord, and You know what they are. Speak to Your Spirit within us to strengthen our resolve, to embolden our hearts, to encourage us to carry out the mission that Jesus left us with just before He came home to You.
Jesus came to seek out the lost and to save them. We who once were counted among the lost and now are saved have a job to do so that others might be found and spared eternal damnation. Help us, loving Father, as we strive to carry out our commission. In the blessed name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
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