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Luke 19:10 could very well sum up Christ’s mission on earth, representing one of – if not the – single most important truth in scripture. “…the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.” (See also Ezekiel 34:16; Luke 5:31,32 & 1 Timothy 1:15)Salvation transforming us completely; the way we think, believe and act – head – heart – behavior. Paul confirming this sentiment by insisting, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Jesus’ very name declares his purpose – God Saves – which compelled him to “fraternize” with sinners; creating criticism for his ministry. (Matthew 11:19) His search and rescue mission being the core of the gospels “good news.” But there is a caveat to this story. Some refuse to be rescued, choosing another way to salvation; either being confident in their own efforts at goodness (Luke 18:9) or believing God loves them so much that he requires nothing but a vague belief and nothing of right-living. (See scripture’s judgment on this ideal in Matthew 7:26; Titus 1:16 & James 2:14-26)

Luke in particular seems to appreciate Jesus’ affinity for approaching tax collectors and other “sinners.” (For instance Luke 3:12; 5:25; 7:23; 15:1; 18:10-13 & 19:2) Tax collectors often considered the worst of the worse, working for the occupying enemy forces and cheating their countrymen to live lavishly. But even they could be redeemed, as evidenced by the Apostle Matthew; one of Christ’s original disciples and the author of the gospel bearing his name. Zacchaeus – of wee little man fame – was another tax collector sought out by Jesus, even as he sought the Lord up in his sycamore tree. (Luke 19:1-4)

Unrepentant sinners don’t seek God (Romans 3:11), being “dead” in sin (Ephesians 2:11), separated from God by that sin (Ephesians 4:18), unable to bridge the gap thus created on their own. But as in his original encounter with sinners in the Garden of Eden, God has a plan to draw us back to himself; he initiating the contact. (Genesis 3:8,9 & John 6:44) We loving and responding to him as a result of his first loving us and creating a way for the re-establishment of a relationship with him. (1 John 4:19)

The invitation remains, however, for us to participate in the seeking, calling upon him while he is near (Is. 55:6), searching with all our hearts (Jeremiah 29:13), setting him and his definition of right-living as our first priority (Matthew 6:33); he promising that if we seek – we will indeed find. (Matthew 7:7)

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus as he passed through Jericho. Overcoming the obstacles of reputation, the pressing crowd, his handicap – being extremely short – he set aside all and climbed a tree. And even though he was considered of little value to most who knew him – including the Romans who “employed” him – Jesus approached him warmly; looking up at Zacchaeus sitting on his tree branch and inviting himself into Zacchaeus’ home. Zacchaeus enthusiastically responded, to the consternation of many – if not most – of the other onlookers. (Luke 19:5-7) Presumably they shared a meal and conversation together, at some point during which Zacchaeus pledged to give away half his possessions to the poor and to repay anyone he had cheated – which would undoubtedly be a lot – by four times! All indicative of the regenerative power of salvation ; an active productive faith lived in appreciation of the grace and mercy extended to him by Christ. (Luke 19:8 See also Ezekiel 36:26 & 2 Corinthians 3:3)

Jesus’ response being, “Truly salvation has come to this house,…” Luke 19:9 Which was the purpose of Jesus’ visit and ministry, Zacchaeus being worth more to Jesus than anyone else was willing to consider; and he subsequently proved his worth by his actions. (See Romans 2:4-8 for the contrasting “rewards” of those who stubbornly cling to an unrepentant life and those who, “…by persistence in doing good…” receive eternal life.) Which is not a call to works salvation, for we are all indeed saved by God’s grace, through faith, not because of anything we’ve done or will do in the future. It’s a gift, not acquired by works, so we can’t claim a share in its giving or receiving. But there is an expectation of gratitude being expressed in response to that gift, part of which is expressed in a “fruitful” life. (Luke 3:8; Matthew 7:16-20; John 15:1,2) We are indeed God’s workmanship – created in Christ Jesus – to do good works (Ephesians 2:8-10) The purpose of teaching and preaching the gospel, after the offer of salvation, being to “…prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up…” Through unity, faith and knowledge “…becom(ing) mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12,13

Jesus sought out Zacchaeus for salvation; Zacchaeus responded by seeking to honor and please Jesus. He proved his faith with faithfulness; as faith works – on so many levels. The story of Zacchaeus recorded in ten short verses of Luke 19 illustrating the truth of Jesus’ assertion that, “…wisdom is proved right by her actions.” Matthew 11:19

"'Winging It" from Stan Smith

Washed by the Water of the Word