Luke 19:1-10

Introduction

Pastor Goodbody was in his office late Friday afternoon. He was trying to figure out what to do for his children’s sermon on Sunday morning. In frustration, he walked to the window to look out. Next door, he saw Nell Neighborly standing underneath a tree, with one hand on her hip, and the other, with index finger pointing up into the tree, shouting something. It was a funny sight, but he knew what it was all about. Often Roger Neighborly climbed the tree to get away from chores and punishment.

“That’s it!” exclaimed Pastor Goodbody. “I’ll do the story of Zacchaeus!”

On Sunday morning, the pastor asked, “Who can tell me what Jesus said to Zacchaeus?”

Roger Neighborly had the answer. “Jesus said, ‘Zacchaeus, you little dickens, I see you up there in that tree and if you don’t come down here this instant, you’re dead meat!”

Zacchaeus Was a Little Man

A. He was short in stature.

B. He was short in morality.

1. He was a thief and tax collector.
2. He was miserable and enjoyed making others miserable.
3. He was a sinner.

C. He was short in friendships. –>He was a hated tax collector.

Zacchaeus Was a Determined Man

A. He wanted to see Jesus.

1.  He ran ahead.
2. He climbed up a tree.
3. He waited to see, but not to get involved.

B. Jesus wanted to see him.

1. Jesus came to the place.
2. Jesus looked up.
3. Jesus called Zacchaeus.

C. He wanted to obey Jesus.

1.  He made haste.
2. He climbed down the tree.
3. He received Jesus joyfully.

Zacchaeus Was a Changed Man

A. He repented of his sinful lift-style.

B. He made restitution for his thefts.

C. He rejoiced in his salvation, his new identity in Christ, even though others continued to see him as a sinner.

Conclusion

A. Zacchaeus became a big man in spite of his short-comings.

1. He became big in faith.
2. He became large in joy.
3. He became rich in friendships.

B. The Sad Story is that many Christians get saved, but never experience the abundant life of Christ. They allow Satan:

1. to steal their freedom
2. to kill their joy
3. to destroy their personality

C. Jesus still seeks the lost, those who need to be saved. But He also seeks the backslidden Christians who have wandered away from Him. They need to be made whole.

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