Be Like Zacchaeus

Before we conclude our series on Zacchaeus, I want to take a look back at Luke 18:31. Not long before Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, Jesus took his disciples aside and explained what would happen in Jerusalem.

Though his disciples did not understand, Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was his journey to the cross. He chose this path because it was only through his own death that the lost could be saved. He came to seek and to save. And the only means by which sinful man could be saved from God's wrath against sin was for the sinless Son of God to bear that wrath in our place.

Jesus is our savior, not only because he came, but because he died and rose again.

And that's why we celebrate the final week of our Lord's life—his passion, his suffering. We are humbled as we remember that he came to seek lost people like us. We are filled with joy when we remember that his death has saved us. None of us can save ourselves. That was true of Zacchaeus and it's true of you and me.

Zacchaeus ran ahead to see Jesus. But Jesus was already walking to the Jerusalem so that Zacchaeus could be saved.

Zacchaeus stood up and announced that he would give up half his wealth to the poor. But Jesus had already chosen to give up his very life for Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus promised to pay back all those he had stolen from. But Jesus, who was without sin, chose to pay for sins that he did not commit.

Zacchaeus climbed up a tree to see Jesus. But Jesus hung on a cross so that Zacchaeus could have eternal life.

The world defines people by what they do, how much they have, and what they look like. The world looked at Zacchaeus and saw a tax-collector, a rich man, a short man. Jesus looked at Zacchaeus and saw a lost man. And if you don't know Jesus Christ, the same is true of you no matter how successful you are, how good you look, or how much money you make.

It doesn't matter if you're loved or hated by others. If you don't know Jesus you are spiritually lost. And one day you'll face the punishment of God for your sins.

Friend, if you realize you're lost then follow the example of Zacchaeus. Don't walk—run to see him. Climb whatever you need to climb to know him. Welcome him with joy into your life. Believe that he went to the cross to pay for your sins. Give up your sins in exchange for everlasting life.

That's the example God wants us to see in Zacchaeus and his story. When Jesus calls you, receive him and reject sin. And when you do, Jesus will make the same joyful declaration about you: "Salvation has come to this house!"

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. He will not pass you by.