Radio Transcript

ZACCHAEUS, A MAN WHO SOUGHT JESUS

Broadcast Date – April 7, 2002 on KCXY (Y95) - 95.3 FM

Many of us have heard the story of Zacchaeus ever since we were small children. But friends, the account of Zacchaeus and his search for Jesus holds many valuable lessons for us, no matter what our age.

Consider the following from Luke 19:1-10: "And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."

First, consider Zacchaeus the sinner (verses 1 and 2). The Bible tells us Zacchaeus was chief of the publicans. Publicans were commonly Jewish citizens who collected taxes for the Roman government. They often overcharged and kept the excess for themselves. When the publicans came to John the Baptist to be baptized they asked him what they must do. John said unto them, "Exact no more than that which is appointed you" (Luke 3:13). Smith’s Bible Dictionary indicates that publicans often brought false charges of smuggling in hopes of extorting "hush money" and retained and opened letters merely because of suspicion. Consequently, nearly everyone looked down upon publicans. Jesus was often criticized for associating with the sinners and the publicans (Matthew 9:11; 11:19). The strong feeling of many of the Jews that it was unlawful to pay tribute only served to make matters worse (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:15-22).

Further, speaking of Zacchaeus’ physical goods, the Bible tells us he was rich. While "being rich" is not inherently sinful, it does present its own difficulties. Consider the following from Matthew 19:16-24: "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

Friends, people often debate with one another concerning what Jesus meant when he referred to a camel going through the eye of a needle. But no matter how you interpret Jesus’ words, Jesus is teaching it is difficult for a rich man to enter heaven.

The apostle Paul learned to be content regardless of his external, physical circumstances. To the church at Philippi Paul wrote, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need" (Philippians 4:11-12).

To Timothy, Paul wrote, "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Timothy 6:8-10). We are to be without covetousness, and content with such things as we have (Hebrews 13:5).

Friends, how do we know Zacchaeus was a sinner? Not because he was a publican! Not because he was rich! We know Zacchaeus was a sinner because he was a man. He was human! A person would not need to repent if he had not sinned, yet all men everywhere are commanded to repent (Acts 17:30). The obvious conclusion is that all have sinned. Friends, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Christ was tempted as we are tempted, yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). The contrast painted by the writer implies that all, except Christ, have sinned. Friends, if we say we have not sinned, we deceive ourselves (I John 1:8).

Second, consider Zaccaheus the seeker (verses 3 and 4). The word translated "thought" indicates Zacchaeus put forth the effort that was needed to find Jesus.

Friends, the gate that leads to eternal life is strait and the way is narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). The way that leads to eternal life is often difficult to navigate. In order to follow Jesus, a man must take up his cross and deny self (Matthew 16:24-25). Just as a man ought to count the cost before building a tower and a king ought to count the cost of going to war, we must count the cost of following Jesus (Luke 14:25-33). Oh yes, much effort is required to follow Jesus. But make no mistake about it, whatever "sacrifices" we make in order to follow Jesus pale in comparison to the blessings we receive. Consider the following words from Jesus, "And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).

Zacchaeus realized the urgency of the situation. The Bible tells us that Zacchaeus "ran before the crowd" in order to see Jesus. Unfortunately, all too often make the same mistake as Felix, realizing their need to follow Jesus but waiting for a more convenient time.

The Bible tells us Zacchaeus could not see Jesus because of the crowd. Zacchaeus climbed into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, thus overcoming those obstacles that stood between him and Jesus. Who were some of the people standing between Zacchaeus and Jesus? Well friends, the Bible doesn’t tell us, so we can only speculate. Is it possible some of Zacchaeus’ family members were standing between Zacchaeus and Jesus, just as some of your family members are standing between you and Jesus? Friends, consider Jesus’ words, recorded in Matthew 10:32-37, "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Is it possible some of Zacchaeus’ friends were standing between Zacchaeus and Jesus? James wrote, "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." Friends, if you have not yet obeyed the gospel by repenting of your sins, confessing your faith in Jesus Christ, and being baptized in order to receive the forgiveness of your sins, what’s standing between you and Jesus?

Friends, many persons are seeking Jesus, but they are seeking him in the wrong places. Mary looked for Jesus in a tomb, only to find it empty (John 20:11-13). Many people are seeking Jesus in their man made religions, but these will one day be rooted up (Matthew 15:13). Some are looking for Jesus to reign on a throne in Israel. Unfortunately, some people seek Jesus only at certain times of the year, looking for him in a manger. Friends, in order to find Jesus, we must look to where Jesus is, reigning on his throne in heaven.

Third, consider Zacchaeus the saved (verse 5 through 10). Jesus invited Zacchaeus, just as Jesus is inviting us today. "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). This inviting, or calling, takes place through the gospel. Paul wrote, "But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Thessalonians 2:14).

Jesus expressed a desire to abide in Zacchaeus’ house. Friends, that brings up a very interesting question. Does Jesus abide in your house? Whether or not Jesus abides in your house can be seen by the things you watch on television, the magazines you read, and the things you say. When constant bickering and fighting takes place in a house, it is evident Jesus does not abide in that house.

Friends, Zacchaeus serves as an example for us because of his determination in seeking Jesus and his subsequent salvation.

Rod Halliburton