This is an exposition of Luke 19:1-10. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, September 17, 2017.
Intro:
“Shocking. Just shocking.” “Why I couldn’t believe it. If I hadn’t been there and seen it and heard it myself – I never would have believed it. The nerve!” “Well, something is going to have to be done. This cannot go on. He’s gone too far.” That was the talk around town the night of the big scandal.
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Now he had irritated them before. But this was just the final straw. They were enraged. Even the people of the city were shocked at this display. It was so public. So blatant. Even his supporters were scratching their heads over this one. Imagine, making himself at home in the house of that lying, thieving Zacchaeus. That was the reaction of the crowd in Jericho the day the Savior met the tax collector. The story is found in the 19th chapter of Luke’s Gospel.
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, builds a compelling case to prove that Jesus is indeed the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of the world. He has demonstrated his wisdom, power and compassion. For no man ever taught like this man. No man ever performed the kinds of miracles this man performed. And yet Luke is careful to give insight into the love and compassion of the Savior. This is another of those insights.
Zacchaeus was a despised man. We are told that he was the chief tax collector.
There were three tax regions in Palestine: Capernaum, Caesarea and Jericho. Jericho was a wealthiest tax region due to the major trade routes that came through. Jericho was at the heart and center of a vast trade network. Jericho was famous for the balm derived from the balsam tree. A balm noted for its fragrance and its healing qualities. All of this combined for a lucrative tax business. Zacchaeus was the kingpin of a large tax cartel. He no doubt had the scruples of a modern-day crack dealer. This hardly seems like a candidate for the loving touch of God. No wonder he was despised. But this hated and despised reprobate is about to be transformed as salvation comes to his house.
Luke 19:1-7
This story serves as a contrast to the preceding story.
At the end of chapter 18 a blind beggar is transformed by the Savior.
Now a rich and powerful official is transformed by the touch of this same Savior.
Set this story in its context – Luke 18:24-27 how hard it is for the rich to be saved.
Like a camel going through the eye of a needle.
It’s impossible!
What is happening here in Luke 19?
A camel is about to pass through the needle’s eye!
The impossible is about to become the possible.
Thesis: The story of Zacchaeus provides us with marvelous insight into the nature of our great salvation.
There are three things I want us to note about Zacchaeus and his encounter with the Savior that shed light on our salvation.
- Salvation is marked by a radical transformation of a person’s essential nature. (Luke 19:8)
- Salvation redirects a person’s passion and interest. (Luke 19:8)
- Salvation begins with God. (Luke 19:9-10)
Conclusion:
God orchestrated their meeting that day on the road through Jericho.
Is God seeking you?
If so you will know it by the unease you are feeling. Nothing satisfies. You’re never really comfortable. You lack wholeness. You lack a clear conscience. You lack peace. Christ is seeking you – he is calling you to come down.
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