Sermon Central
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The Day Zacchaeus Became Free
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 19, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: No matter what the obstacles facing a person, they can find Jesus as Savior if they will sincerely seek Him.
THE DAY ZACCHAEUS BECAME FREE
"And Jesus said to him, ’Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19: 9-10.
I. HE FACED FORMIDABLE BARRIERS IN SEEKING JESUS!
His profession was a hindrance: Tax collectors were highly disdained. Most were dishonest and harsh in dealing with people.
His wealth was a hindrance: "And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24.
His stature was a hindrance: "…for he was short in stature." Normally, his stature was of little significance, but the crowd stood in his way and obscured his view of Jesus.
II. HE DID WHAT HE COULD TO OVERCOME THESE BARRIERS!
He ran ahead of the crowd: “…So he ran ahead…”
He positioned himself above the crowd: “…and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him…” (v. 4).
He was attentive to the voice of Jesus: "…he made haste and came down."
III. WHEN WE SINCERELY SEEK JESUS, WE WILL BE FOUND BY HIM! "And when Jesus came to the place (sycamore tree), He looked up and saw him." (v. 5)
IV. SAVING FAITH BRINGS REAL CHANGE IN A PERSON’S LIFE!
Saving faith is evidenced by obedience, confession and restitution.
Obedience: “Jesus said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’ So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.” Luke 19: 5b-6.
Confession: “Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord....” Luke 19: 8a. “…and no man can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.”. I Corinthians 12: 3b.
Restitution: “I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore four-fold.” Luke 19:8b.
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he is also a son of Abraham: for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:9-10.
“Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7.