Grant Abbott Supporter Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

The story of Zacheus is a beautiful illustration of the spiritual truth contained in Revelation 3:20:
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Jesus knocked on Zaccheaus door when he called his name.
Zaccheaus opened the door when he came down immediately and welcomed Jesus.

Jesus came into Zacchaeus's life when he received his salvation, as demonstrated by Zaccheaus's repentance and confirmed by Jesus own words.

What better way to celebrate salvation and new life than to have a party with your friends. Jesus demonstrates his total acceptance of Zacchaeus by coming to his home for the party. Clearly this practice was scorned by the religious leaders of the day.

But Jesus is providing a beautiful picture of what forgiveness means: the old is gone the new has come.

Jesus also wanted Zacchaeus to invite all his "non-believing" friends to join the party and meet Jesus too. This gave Jesus an opportunity to knock on a lot more doors with his gospel message.

In this bible story Jesus gives us an excellent model for effective evangelism. When someone comes to faith in Christ the church joins the new believer in celebrating their new faith by having a party. The new convert invites their family and friends to hear the story of their conversion. 

Such a personal approach is a powerful and effective presentation of the gospel to people that the new believer already has a relationship with and brings all of them in contact with the local church.

Thank you Jesus for saving Zaccheaus and transforming his life. May we be so bold as to invite our family and friends to hear our story and introduce them to Jesus.

May 31 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Olumide Kehinde Supporter

This event is just one other event in the earthly ministry of The Lord Jesus Christ, if we may insert ourselves into this event at the time, we would realize that Zacchaeus' attitude and action was inviting.

By the things he desired and did in trying through the press/crowd and in climbing up the sycamore tree were an evidence of his interest in meeting Jesus, the question should then be whose home should Jesus visit in the circumstance? I see Zacchaeus' attitude as passionately compelling. 

Also, the Bible revealed that Zacchaeus had overriding desire above all the spectators around to see and to know who Jesus is, even if he were a dwarf, he could have given up but just like the woman with the issue of blood, seeing and knowing Jesus and perhaps,having a contact with Him was an overwhelming requirement that seem to be the only solution to the plight of his life at that moment. 

Again, it is pertinent to note that God said "you shall seek me and you shall find me because you shall seek me with all thine heart" Jeremiah. 29:13. This, I believe was Zacchaeus' heart condition and he got what he desired

May 30 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

Why did Jesus go to Zacchaeus' home?

Jesus went to Zacchaeus's house deliberately to seek and save the "lost," fulfilling his mission to find the outcasts. By choosing to stay with Zacchaeus, a wealthy and despised chief tax collector, Jesus demonstrated acceptance and showed that he came to save all people, including "sinners."

Despite his reputation, this act also demonstrated that God saw and valued Zacchaeus.

In fact, Zacchaeus's joyful reception of Jesus led to a profound change of heart. He immediately repented, pledging to give half of his possessions to people experiencing poverty and pay back anyone he had cheated fourfold. This act of restitution was evidence of his genuine repentance and newfound faith.

In Luke 19:1-10, note Jesus' expression in verses 9-10: And Jesus said unto him, "This day salvation unto this house hath come, for that he too is a son of Abraham; 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." 

We can see that Jesus was well pleased with Zacchaeus's promise to return his belongings to those he had stolen from.

Note Luke chapter 15: 11- 32. In this chapter, Jesus had illustrated the situation of 'the lost' with his story about the prodigal son. Now we have a real-life example of a lost one who has been found. Even though the religious leaders and those who follow them mutter and complain about Jesus' attention to persons like Zacchaeus, Jesus continues to look for and restore these lost sons of Abraham. Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35–19:10; Exodus 22:1.

When we read the account of Zacchaeus, we can see how he was moved by Jesus' words and by being in his house. Zacchaeus proves that his repentance is genuine by giving half of his belongings to those experiencing poverty and by using the other half to pay back those he had cheated. He can calculate from his tax records how much he owes these persons. So he vows to make a fourfold restoration, in keeping with God's law: 'In case a man should steal a sheep, he is to compensate with four of the flock for the sheep.'

A lesson for each of us from the account of Zacchaeus: Do not prejudge people. We may hesitate to approach some people because of their physical appearance, social or economic status, lifestyle, or religious beliefs. But remember:

1: Both God and Jesus can read hearts; we cannot.

2: No one is beyond the reach of God's mercy.

3: Jesus helped Zacchaeus set proper priorities in his life.

4: Jesus helped Zacchaeus set his priorities in order, so that Zacchaeus stopped emphasizing obtaining material things.

1 day ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report