Introduction: This week we had Vacation Bible School and the focus was on Zacchaeus, a tax collector. Zacchaeus encountered Jesus Christ while Jesus Christ was on this earth, making this story from the Bible, a real story that did in fact take place and one we can all learn from. Zacchaeus was converted after believing in Jesus Christ. Let’s take a look at four different things we see in the Bible regarding Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus the Tax Collector:
- Was A Sinner– Vs 1-2 “was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich” Vs 7 “That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner”. The Jews didn’t like the publicans because they would falsely collect more taxes that were due and keep the excess, which essentially made Zacchaeus a “rich man” vs 1.This action of stealing made Zacchaeus a sinner- “Thou shalt not steal”. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”.
2. Was Seeking Jesus– Vs 3-4 “sought to see Jesus”. “climbed up into a Sycamore tree to see him”. Even all the greatest career or being rich will leave a person lonely and seeking for something better.
- Proverbs 8:17 “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me”.
- Jeremiah 29:13 “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart”.
- Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and tit heal be opened unto you”.
- Have you been seeking for Jesus because you’re tired of doing it on your own?
3. Was Known By Name– Vs 5 “and he said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down”. Although Jesus Christ and Zacchaeus had never met, Jesus Christ knew him by name, why? Because Jesus Christ was God manifest in the flesh. God knows YOU by name. God knows everything about YOU.
- God knows your name, the hairs on your head, the problems and burdens that you’re carrying right now. God knows you personally just like He know Zacchaeus.
- Psalm 69:5 “O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee”.
- John 21:17 “And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knows that I love thee”.
- Jesus knows your name because he is seeking you out to get saved. V 10 “For the Son of man is com to seek”.
4. Was Lost and In Need of a Savior– Vs 9-10 “This day is salvation come to this house”. Zacchaeus was not a good person but he was made good because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ in him.
- John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”.
- II Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him”.
- I Corinthians 15:3-4 Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again the third day.
Conclusion: Today you are not here by coincidence, you are here because Jesus Christ has brought you here to listen to this story. Jesus Christ is seeking for you and wants for you to get saved by believing in Him. Don’t wait, receive Him today!
Anchor Baptist Church 