1. Luke 19:1-10.

I. Zacchaeus the Sinner (1-2).

A. He was the chief among the publicans.

1. Publicans were commonly Jewish citizens who collected taxes for the Roman government.

2. They often overcharged and kept the excess for themselves (Luke 3:12-13).

3. Smith’s Bible Dictionary indicates they often brought false charges of smuggling in hopes of extorting "hush money," and opened letters merely due to suspicion.

4. Consequently, publicans were looked down upon by virtually everyone (Matthew 9:11; 11:19).

5. The strong feeling of many Jews that it was unlawful to pay tribute only served to make matters worse (Matthew 17:24-27; 22:15-22).

B. He was rich.

1. While "being rich" it not sinful in itself, it does present its own set of difficulties.

2. Jesus taught that 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 (Matthew 19:16-24).

3. Paul learned to be content regardless of his "external conditions" (Philippians 4:11-12).

4. We are to be content with food and raiment………the love of money is the root of all evil………they that are rich fall into temptation and a snare (I Timothy 6:8-10).

5. We are to be without covetousness; and be content with what we have (Hebrews 13:5.)

C. How do we know he was a sinner? There was a man named Zachaeus.

1. A person would not need to repent if he had not sinned; yet all men everywhere are commanded to repent (Acts 17:30).

2. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

3. All have sinned (Romans 5:12).

4. Christ was tempted as we are, yet did not sin. The contrast portrayed by the writer implies that we, unlike Christ, have sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

5. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves (I John 1:8).

II. Zacchaeus the Seeker (3-4).

A. The word translated "sought" indicates Zacchaeus put forth the necessary effort.

1. The gate that leads to eternal life is strait (confined) and the way is narrow, making it sometimes difficult to navigate (Matthew 7:13-14).

2. In order to follow Christ a man must take up his cross and deny self (Matthew 16:24-25).

3. Just as a man must count the cost of building a tower and a king must count the cost of going to war, we must count the cost of being a disciple (Luke 14:25-33).

4. Whatever effort and "sacrifices" we make in order to follow Jesus pale in comparison to the blessings we receive (Mark 10:29-30).

B. Zacchaeus realized the urgency of the situation. He "ran before" the crowd.

1. Today is the day of salvation (II Corinthians 6:2).

2. Unfortunately, some make the same mistake of Felix (Acts 24:25).

3. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, but many will be caught unaware (I Thessalonians 5:1-3).

4. We are to take advantage of the opportunities each new day presents to us (Hebrews 3:13).

C. Zacchaeus climbed into a sycamore tree, thus overcoming those persons who stood between him and Jesus.

1. Is it possible Zacchaeus’ family members were standing between him and Jesus? Unfortunately, some people are more concerned about maintaining peace between family members than they are about maintaining peace between themselves and God (Matthew 10:32-37; Luke 14:26).

2. Is it possible Zacchaeus’ friends were standing between him and Jesus (James 4:4)?

3. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel by repenting of your sins (Luke 13:3), confessing your faith (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), what’s standing between you and Jesus?

D. Many have sought Jesus in the wrong places.

1. Some sought Jesus in the tomb (John 20:11-13).

2. Some are seeking Jesus in man made religions (Matthew 15:13).

3. Some are waiting to see Jesus on a throne in Israel (Acts 2:22-37).

4. Some only seek Jesus during certain times of the year, looking for him in a manger.

III. Zacchaeus the Saved (5-10).

A. Jesus invited Zacchaeus to come down.

1. Jesus is inviting us today (Revelation 3:20; 22:17).

2. This calling takes place through the gospel (II Thessalonians 2:14).

B. Jesus expressed a desire to abide in Zacchaeus’ house.

1. Do you allow Jesus to abide in your house?

2. Whether or not Jesus abides in your house can be seen:

a. By what you watch on television.

b. By the magazines you read.

c. By your speech.

C. Notice Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth – to seek and save the lost.

1. None of us are truly "Christ-like" unless we are putting forth an effort to seek and save the lost.

2. Those persons who follow Jesus will become fishers of men (Matthew 4:19).

1. Zacchaeus serves as an example for us because of his determination in seeking Jesus and his resulting salvation.

2. Zacchaeus overcame that which stood between him and Jesus. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel, what’s standing between you and Jesus?