Encounter with Jesus: The Conversion of an Unscrupulous Tax Man (Luke 19:1-10)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
9 January 2022
Zacchaeus, an unscrupulous tax-gatherer, encountered Jesus and was changed. He held a high position among tax collectors. He was rich but some of his wealth was gathered improperly. He was short in stature.
Observe some aspects of Zacchaeus' conversion.
First, conversion was available because Jesus the Saviour was passing by. Salvation is about opportunity. This was Zacchaeus’ day. Jesus still passes by today. Now is the day of salvation (2 Cor.6:2).
Zacchaeus desired satisfaction and meaning to life. He was curious about Jesus so he climbed up a tree to see Jesus. But there was more to it than mere curiosity. Zacchaeus had money-satisfaction but not soul-satisfaction. Money may fill your pocket but not your soul.
Zacchaeus hears the word of God. Jesus bids him to come down from the tree for this day Jesus would stay in his house. Jesus calls sinners to leave their sin that he may live in their hearts. Jesus said "I must stay at your house." Blessed are you when Jesus calls you and abides with you.
Zacchaeus responds to Jesus' call. He comes immediately and with haste. When you hear the gospel come with haste to Jesus. Waste not one moment. The Master does not call in vain.
Zacchaeus comes joyfully to receive Jesus. There is joy when a person comes to Jesus. The world does not give this joy which is inexpressible.
Zacchaeus gives evidence of his conversion. He makes restitution of money unscrupulously taken and even went beyond this by restoring more than what was legally required of him. People do not part easily with their money but when Jesus works in the heart of people they part with money willingly and generously. Money no longer rules the soul.
There was opposition to Jesus when he dined with Zacchaeus. The Jewish people could not imagine their Messiah staying with unpopular Zacchaeus. When people come to faith in Jesus the enemy of souls will raise his head and oppose the work of saving grace.
Finally, Jesus gives an explanation of what happened to Zacchaeus. This explanation is a summary of God's plan of salvation and as well as enlightening the believer is also a rebuke of those who complain about Jesus (19:7).
The Son of Man, Jesus, has come to seek and to save the lost. Zacchaeus was a son of Abraham being a member of the chosen family of faith. He belonged to God but was lost. Note that Jesus knew his name. He once said “I am the good shepherd; and I know my sheep, and am known by my own” (John 10:14).
Jesus came to find him. By his death on the cross Jesus has paid the penalty for human sin. He draws his people to faith and redeems them. They come willingly and joyfully. There is perfect harmony between divine sovereignty and human freedom.
Thanks be to our God for the great thing he has done. In Zacchaeus we see a lost soul becoming a saved soul; a man rich in earthly things becoming rich in heavenly things; an unscrupulous man turned into a righteous man. This encounter with Jesus transformed Zacchaeus. You can be also be changed by encountering Jesus.