READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Zacchaeus was an outcast, a short Chief Tax Collector. It is not only the poor who are socially outcast; the rich can also be lonely and made to feel worthless. Who are the socially outcast today?
Jesus saw Zacchaeus and initiated the request to go to his house to be the guest of a sinner. Zacchaeus was immediately saved, he repented and offered to return fourfold the money he had taken. This was the fastest recorded salvation without Jesus performing any miracle. The discipleship lessons learned:
- Not how well-off you live, but how well you live before God!
A disciples’ life is characterised by repentance and moral integrity. Zacchaeus quickly turned from sinning to living righteously. A true disciple does not succumb to social pressure when it comes to the Lord – I respond, I pursue and I seek peace with God. - Between God’s “Salvation” invitation vs “Wealth” – Zacchaeus chose “Salvation”
The rich young ruler did everything right in the eyes of the law but refused to surrender his comfort. Zacchaeus did the opposite. He gave up his comfort for salvation. - All Sinners (Outcasts – least, last & lost) matters to God and no one is beyond God’s reach
No one is beyond God’s reach. It does not matter if we are rich or poor, the greatest encouragement is all sinners matter to God. He does not reject anyone who seeks Him. Our society distances itself from people we are uncomfortable with, but not Jesus. Zacchaeus is not the only tax collector whom Jesus dined with, Matthew was also a tax collector. - Jesus uses 3Bs Strategy – Blessing, Belonging & Believing
Jesus blessed, created a sense of belonging through relationships, and then the believing followed. He was not afraid to step out of His comfort zone. He went to their homes, where they were comfortable, instead of asking them to come to the church. - Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Ezekiel 34) – His disciples are His strategy and workers
The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. Whoever loves the Lord will have their hearts transformed. Jesus’ disciples are shepherds to society. - All Disciples are missional – bringing salvation to the lost (willing to be guests of sinners!)
Jesus showed His willingness to go to the house of sinners and be their guest. We should be hospitable and welcoming too. - Between “Comfort” vs “Salvation” opportunity – Disciples always choose Salvation opportunity
This is the fastest and easiest salvation ever occurred. Disciples who choose obedience can experience transformation.
When we think that no one cares or all hope is lost, God always seeks us in love! He loves the unlovable, the unreachable, the outcast and those who feel unworthy. He desires to be a guest in our heart. Salvation is available to us, do not wait. Open our heart and say, “Lord, come to my life! Help me run it the way you want it.”
Jesus emphasised the importance of outreach and highlighted that our greatest barriers are discomfort and prejudice. Let us repent of these. We are God’s beloved disciples, and He works through obedient hearts. Salvation can come easily and quickly if we open up. Be prepared to bless and create a sense of belonging.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- When was the last time you shared your faith/testimony with a stranger? Complete this sentence.. Sharing my faith/testimony with others is ______. Why?
- Read Luke 19:1-4 – Zacchaeus was described as a chief tax-collector and wealthy. Do you think he was popular? Who would you associate the Zacchaeus of today with?
- Read Luke 19:7 – On the contrary against our times, commentators equate Zacchaeus to one of a low-social status (like widow, children, blind, toll collector, etc). The word “sinner” is used on him. Why do you think this is so? How then would a person gain his wealth? Now, who would you associate the Zacchaeus of today with (versus those in the above question)? Would you associate yourself with someone like that? Why?
- Read Luke 19:5-7, as we honestly search ourselves – are we like Jesus, or are we like the “people” that mutter against one that is a “guest of a sinner”? Why do you think the “people” had issues with Jesus going to be with Zacchaeus? Do you think our culture / church is also like that?
- Read Luke 19:8-10. The gospel always transforms hearts. Zacchaeus readily confesses his wrong-doings and repent. Can you share of a time when you were convicted by God to confess a wrong-doing and repent? What does this say about God’s love?
- Read Ezekiel 34 and look out for role of “Son of Man” – What do you think is the mission of Jesus and all of His disciples as shepherds of society?
- How can we be a “guest” of sinners for Jesus today?
