Sobering Realities #13: An exposition of Luke 19:1-10. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 8, 2012.
Intro:
“Shocking. Just shocking.” “Why I couldn’t believe it. If I hadn’t been there and seen it and heard it myself – I never would have believed it. The nerve!” “Well, something is going to have to be done. This cannot go on. He’s gone too far.” That was the talk around town the night of the big scandal. Now he had irritated them before. But this was the final straw. They were enraged. Even the people of the city were shocked at this display. It was so public. So blatant. Even his supporters were scratching their heads over this one. Imagine, making himself at home in the house of that lying, thieving Zacchaeus. That was the reaction of the crowd in Jericho the day the Savior met the tax collector. The story is found in the 19th chapter of Luke’s Gospel.
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Luke, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, builds a compelling case proving that Jesus is the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of the world. He has demonstrated his wisdom, power and compassion. For no man ever taught like this man. No man ever performed the kinds of miracles this man performed. And yet Luke is careful to give insight into the love and compassion of the Savior. This is another of those insights.
Zacchaeus was a despised man. We are told that he was the chief tax collector.
There were three tax regions in Palestine: Capernaum, Caesarea and Jericho. Jericho was a wealthy tax region due to the major trade routes that came through. Jericho was at the center of a vast trade network. Jericho was famous for the balm derived from the balsam tree. A balm noted for its fragrance and its healing qualities. All of this combined for a lucrative tax business. Zacchaeus was the kingpin of a large tax cartel. He no doubt had the scruples of a modern day crack dealer. This hardly seems like a candidate for the loving touch of God. No wonder he was despised. But this hated and despised reprobate is about to be transformed as salvation comes to his house.
This story serves as a contrast to the preceding story.
At the end of chapter 18 a blind beggar is transformed by the Savior.
Now a rich and powerful official is transformed by the touch of this same Savior.
Jesus’ encounter with the beggar caused quite a stir in the city.
News spread like wildfire.
Everyone was talking about it.
Word reached Zacchaeus that the miracle worker was passing through town.
Luke says Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was.
Now doubt Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus.
Luke 18:24-27 sets this story in context.
What is happening here in Luke 19?
A “camel” is about to pass through the needle’s eye!
The impossible is about to become reality.
Thesis: The story of Zacchaeus serves to remind us that salvation is about conversion not decisions.
This is a critically important truth for us. I’m afraid too many think it is about accepting various truths. That salvation is a simple matter of saying, “I believe in Jesus.” The devil “believes in Jesus.” Salvation is about conversion or transformation. It is about passing from death to life. It is about change.
There are three things I want us to note about Zacchaeus and his encounter with the Savior that shed light on our salvation.
- Salvation is marked by the radical transformation of a person’s essential nature. (Luke 19:8)
- Salvation redirects a person’s passion and interest. (Luke 19:8)
- Salvation begins with God. (Luke 19:9-10)