Zacchaeus: Searching for Jesus

INTRODUCTION
As we dig into this scripture, I want us to examine the two main characters. First, we’ll take a
closer look at Zacchaeus, and then we’ll notice the star of the show: Jesus.
I. ZACH: THE PROFILE OF A NORMAL GUY
Zach represents every person who doesn’t yet have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Sure, we
know they’re lost–Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. But Zach didn’t even know he was
lost. Compared to most of the people in the world, he was just a normal guy. If you don’t
know that–you don’t know ZACH! People without a relationship with God are the normal
people. We’re the nuts.
Before I came into a personal relationship with Jesus, I was a Zach, and so were you. A Zach
is a person who is primarily concerned about one person: Zach. Here are a couple of ways in
which each of us can relate to Zach.
1. None of us really measures up
The one thing we all know about Zach is that he was vertically challenged–a wee little man.
When it comes to God’s standard, we are all wee little people–spiritually. Romans 3:23 says,
“For all have sinned and fall SHORT of the glory [standard] of God.” We all fall far short of
God’s standard: Jesus Christ. He has a name that is above every other name! The first step in
salvation is recognizing that in our own goodness, we will never measure up.
2. He was desperately seeking something
Zach was rich, but he wasn’t happy. There was something missing in his life. The details of
this story reveal he was a desperate man. He was rich and dignified, yet he ran down the road
to try to get in position. Desperate people run. We used to climb trees when we were kids, but
most adults don’t climb trees, unless they’re chased by a mean dog, or trying to escape a
flood. Climbing a tree is an act of desperation.
He didn’t know it, but he was looking for God.
The second character of this story is the real start of the show.
II. JESUS: THE PURPOSE OF A LOVING GOD
According to Luke 19:10, He came to seek out and to save all the Zachs like you and me. Jesus
Christ came on the greatest search and rescue mission in history!
1. He knows you
The first word Jesus spoke to the little guy was, “Zacchaeus!” He called him by his name.
2. He knows what you need–a relationship
After Jesus called his name, He beckoned Zach to come down from the tree. Jesus spoke
those words in love and tender compassion.
Jesus would have been telling the truth if He had said, “Zach, you are a dirty, rotten sinner!
Repent, repent, repent! You’d better pay back all the money you’ve stolen from these people.
If you don’t God’s gonna getcha’ good!
But Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn sinners–He came to save them. He knew
Zacchaeus needed to know he could have a personal relationship with Jesus. Instead of
condemning Zach, He said, “Let’s go to your house.” At that point, the religious crowd turned
against Jesus and criticized Him for spending time with a sinner like Zach.
Some of you know what you are doing is wrong. I’m not here to point my finger at you and
say, “Sinner! Sinner! Sinner!” I’m here to introduce you to Jesus. Sure, you need to make
some changes. Zach did,