Jesus Seeks and Saves the Lost (Luke 19:1-10)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
8 February 2026
Why did Jesus come? It was to seek and save the lost.
The lost included Zaccheus, a rich notorious tax collector. He worked for the Romans collecting taxes. In the process he cheated his own people. He was most unpopular, regarded by his contemporaries as a “sinner”.
Jesus was passing by Zaccheus’ town of Jericho. How blessed people are when Jesus passes by. He passes by today. Whenever his people gather he is in the midst.
Zaccheus would be blessed by Jesus’ passing by. Zaccheus was short in stature and went ahead of the crowd and climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus.
Jesus saw Zaccheus. He saw a lost ruined man. We are all lost; ruined by the fall. Sin came into the world through one man and death through sin. The Son of Man has come to save ruined people. We, like Zaccheus, have been ruined by the fall.
In seeing Zaccheus Jesus also saw a man who was interested in salvation. The Holy Spirit was working in Zaccheus. His convicting power drew Zaccheus to Jesus.
Jesus spoke the word, “Zaccheus come down.” Note that Jesus knew Zaccheus by name. He is the good shepherd and calls his own by name. His own people hear his voice.
Note that Jesus would stay in Zaccheus’ house. The Jewish community would not dine with Zaccheus but Jesus had no hesitation to mix with him. Jesus sat with sinners and still does.
Jesus told Zaccheus to come down from the tree with haste. When the Saviour bids you to come you must come immediately. Now is the time of salvation.
Zaccheus comes with haste and with joy. It cannot be otherwise. Those called by Jesus come immediately and gladly.
There is opposition to Jesus entering Zaccheus’ house. Salvation is a spiritual matter and in the spirit realm there is conflict between light and darkness. The devil blocks people from coming to Jesus. But Jesus opens doors. He seeks his people and they come to him.
Zaccheus is saved because he is a son of Abraham. Before the foundation of the world God had set apart his people to be sought after and saved. Jesus was sent for this purpose.
Note Jesus said Zaccheus was “also” a son of Abraham. There is a multitude which no man can number who belong to God. Zaccheus is but one them.
Zaccheus promised to make restitution. Many people had been hurt by his practice. Past wrongs cannot be corrected but people can make restitution. When restitution is graciously and fairly made it behoves people offered it to receive it. This way people can press on together in their lives before God and not live with guilt or resentment.
Jesus came to save the lost and they are the salt of the earth and the lights of the world. Praise God for the coming of Jesus Christ.