LUKE 19:1-10 THE SON OF MAN IS COME The key verse to the Gospel of Luke is verse 10 of this chapter, where the whole of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth is summed up in 16 words. "For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Zacchaeus wanted to find out who He was. As the Lord passed through Jericho, this small man who knew his own limitations found a place in a tree where he could easily see the Lord Jesus. There is no indication written as to whether he was dissatisfied with his life or not. Even a sense of guilt up until the time of his search for the Lord is not recorded. Whenever there is an interest in seeking the Lord for whatever reason, there is an opportunity for the grace of God to be displayed and ultimate blessing to occur. An invitation given may not seem to be all that significant at the time it is given, but we must never underestimate the value of a little interest shown on the part of those we know or connect with in some way.
Wealth and the official position Zacchaeus had, did not hinder him from seeking to satisfy his curiosity. The amount of time or the degree of conviction of need is not mentioned in this account. We do not know what is in the hearts of those we contact with the Gospel. All we can go by is what we can see outwardly and what we can hear audibly. The inward desire of a person is really only known by the Lord who looks on the heart. When the Lord came to that spot under the tree, looked up and called Zacchaeus by name, everything changed. Instead of one who controlled others with his words, he was now completely under the authority of Another. This happened instantly. Instead of telling others what to do, he immediately and quickly acted on what he was told. The look on the face of the Son of Man, was the look of the Savior who came to seek and to save the lost. Not only was Zacchaeus quick to act on what the Lord Jesus said, but he was glad to do exactly what he was told, and more than that, glad to personally receive the Lord.
That attitude and response is not something that can be easily be put on falsely. The initial desire to see Jesus, the anticipation of even a visual view, the hearing of his own name indicating personal recognition, the gracious command, the assurance of acceptance all brought joy to the seeker then as it does today. This is no casual nod of acknowledgement. This is a life-changing intervention. The Son of Man is come. Even though those looking on and following Jesus and Zacchaeus to his home were critical and very judgmental, it didn't change Zacchaeus from his purpose. We cannot allow the criticisms of those who do not agree with us to turn us aside from our reason for presenting the Gospel.
Evidence of the reality of faith in Christ is not long coming when the Lord Jesus Christ is received. There is an inward relief from the guilt of sin and outward expression that indicates the new birth has taken place. In the case of Zacchaeus there was a verbal expression of commitment to restore what was wrongfully taken and restitution of that which was deliberately cheated.
The word of the Lord gives to all who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, including Zacchaeus, the positive assurance of salvation. It is not based on our feelings of acceptance. Zacchaeus, and all who believe on Him are able to refer to the testimony of the Lord Himself as to what takes place in the life of a believer. It affected the heart, the home and the life of Zacchaeus. Not only was he saved by God's grace, he was identified as a person who was justified by faith even as Abraham was. This is true for any today who God saves. They are justified, cleared of all guilt. Abraham was a man honored by all the Jews. Zacchaeus was a man despised by them. Both were justified by faith in the same Person. Both met Him personally under a tree. Both heard His words. Both gladly received and entertained the Lord, and both were accepted by Him.
The seeking of the Son of Man is a longing for an actual connection to be made, not just a bent of emotional desire. Seeking by the Lord is an act of grace that culminates in saving one who is lost. In this case the lost is a general term that includes every man, woman and child. He has come that all men through Him might be saved. His seeking is to reach out and claim those who are looking for Him. How great is the grace of the Son of Man! How important is faith in Him in the life of one who wants to see Him!
What is in the heart of man that stirs the soul to seek? What moves a person the Son of Man to meet? There is within every one of us a longing after God - That cannot find satisfaction until we meet the Lord.
What is it keeps so many away from what they know is right? What makes people continue to live in darkness instead of light? The pressure of people and desire for acceptance is an awful tie - That must be released or broken before to Him we fly.
What is it makes those looking on prone to show animosity? What is behind their resentment, what do they think they see -
That makes a bitterness against the Gospel message? It is a reality from the heart that shows more than mere vestige.
What is the motivation that urges one to testify? What reason is behind the need one has to satisfy The urging of the heart to speak out and publicly say - That salvation has come to my house bringing joy to me today?
The Holy Spirit working opens the searching heart and mind - Moving one to seek the Lord, knowing one who seeks will find The solution to the guilt of sin, when to the Son of Man they come - Resulting in salvation and eternal life to the seeking one.
There is joy that follows, and peace with God within. The awakened conscience responds creating awareness of sin. One who has been seeking learns Another has been seeking him. When the two have finally met, new life in Christ begins.
"Father in heaven, doubtless there is joy and satisfaction to Thee when the seeking Savior and seeking sinner meet. I pray that will happen here. I praise thee for hearing of that happening in other places we have been praying for. Thanks so much! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."