Sermon 138

📖 Sermon 138 – Zacchaeus the Publican

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 19:1–10

Introduction

Zacchaeus, a chief publican and rich, longs to see Jesus. Being short of stature, he climbs a sycamore tree. Jesus calls him by name, goes to his house, and declares that salvation has come. This account reveals Christ’s seeking love and the transforming power of grace.

I. Zacchaeus Seeking Jesus

A. His position
A chief tax collector — wealthy, despised, spiritually empty.

B. His desire
“He sought to see Jesus who He was.” Curiosity stirred by grace.

C. His obstacle
“Could not for the press, because he was little of stature.”

D. His determination
He runs ahead and climbs a tree — humility in action.

II. Jesus Seeking Zacchaeus

A. “Jesus looked up”
The Savior never overlooks a seeking soul.

B. “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down”
A personal call — grace speaks to the heart.

C. “For today I must abide at thy house”
Divine necessity — Jesus comes where sinners receive Him.

D. Zacchaeus obeys
He makes haste and receives Christ joyfully.

III. The Reaction of the People

A. “They all murmured”
Grace offends the self-righteous.

B. “He is gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner”
Exactly the kind of man Jesus came to save.

IV. Zacchaeus Transformed

A. “Behold, Lord…”
A confession of submission.

B. “The half of my goods I give to the poor”
Grace loosens the grip of wealth.

C. “If I have taken anything… I restore fourfold”
Repentance produces restitution.

V. Christ’s Declaration

A. “This day is salvation come to this house”
Evidence of true conversion.

B. “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost”
The heart of the Gospel in one sentence.

Conclusion

Zacchaeus began by seeking to see Jesus, but discovered that Jesus was seeking him. Grace found him, changed him, and marked him as a true son of Abraham. Let us likewise receive Christ joyfully and show the fruits of repentance.