Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Genesis 37-40
     New Testament Reading: Luke 19

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Every child that has ever attended Sunday School knows the story of Zacchaeus. The wee little man that climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.

It is interesting to note that Luke has already mentioned tax collectors several times in his Gospel. But this is the first time he mentioned any of them by name. Other than this brief account in Luke, we know nothing more from the Scriptures about Zacchaeus. However, early church historians state Zacchaeus became a prominent member of the early church. Clement mentions Zacchaeus was the first pastor of the church at Caesarea. Luke likely mentions him by name as those with whom he worked and associated with were already familiar with him.

By human standards, Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, but actually he was only a bankrupt sinner who needed to receive God’s gift of eternal life. Zacchaeus was not saved because he promised to do good to those he cheated. He was saved because he responded by faith to Christ’s words to him. Zacchaeus called Jesus Lord. He trusted Jesus to be his Savior and made Him the Lord of his life. He then gave evidence of his faith by promising to make restitution to those he wronged.

Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus’ house, and Zacchaeus received him joyfully. Zacchaeus then became the servant in his own house, for Jesus became his Master. Zacchaeus was ready to obey the Lord and do whatever was necessary to establish a genuine testimony before the people.

More than any of the other three Gospel accounts, Luke presents Jesus as the Savior of the World. Luke wanted his readers to know and understand that Jesus pursues the brokenhearted and seeks those in need of His deliverance. He is not only able to save, but He is willing.

Jesus did not come to display noble ethics.
Jesus did not come to be a great moral teacher.
Jesus did not come to model how to live a good life.
Jesus did not come to teach people how to treat others.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Jesus came to be the Savior of the World!