If you’ve ever lost something valuable, you’ll know the sense of dread and seriousness that accompanies the desperate search. The more valuable, the more intense the effort to find it. And as we approach our upcoming Jesus Through the Scriptures chapter in Luke 19 this week, Jesus continues to show us his search and rescue techniques for lost souls.

Big Idea: Christ loved you in your sinfulness, and you ought to love one another in theirs.

He Seeks

“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up …’” (Luke 19:1-5a)

  • The Lord is Searching (Luke 15). If we know the devil is prowling around, we also know that God is actively seeking souls. Jesus was looking for someone and wound up having to look up. Whenever a lost person is discovered, the Lord rejoices over their return!
  • Lift Up Your Eyes (John 4:34-35). We don’t have to look hard, but we do have to look differently. We see people every day who need the gospel. The fields are still white. We just need to lift our eyes to see those opportunities.

He Sees

“And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”” (Luke 19:5-7)

  • He Calls Us Closer (Matt. 11:28-30). Jesus uses Zacchaeus’ name, which may seem like a small gesture, but it shows him how much he cares. Jesus wants us to come closer to deepen our relationship.
  • Open Your Hearts (1 John 3:16-18). When we look around and find someone in need, closing our hearts to them is the ultimate unloving act. We see needs all over, but when we have an opportunity, let’s take on the small task of seeing others as Jesus did.

He Saves

“And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”” (Luke 19:8-10)

  • Only Jesus Can Save Us (Acts 16:30-24). Jesus extended salvation to a faithful sinner like Zacchaeus, and he extended that rescue to the whole world. No one else can do this work but Jesus alone. So while it’s not our job to save, we do have a part in rescuing the perishing.
  • Bring Them Back (James 5:19-20). We can’t save, but we can turn back sinners. We can confront people about their shortcomings, as difficult as that may be.

Conclusion

What a short story about a short man who was sought, seen, and saved. Do you see people the way Jesus sees them? Has Christ found you, snatching you from certain destruction?