Seeking And Saving The Lost

Opening illustration: A pastor phoned the home of some recent visitors to the church. A voice on the other end of the phone answered with a whispered "Hello."

The pastor asked, "Who is this?” The whispered voice said, "Jimmy."

The pastor asked, "How old are you, Jimmy?" The voice said, "Four."

The pastor then asked, "Jimmy, can I please speak to your mom?" Jimmy answered, "She's busy."

"Then can I please speak to your dad?" "He's busy."

"Are there any other adults in your home?" "The police."

"Then let me speak to one of the police officers." "They're busy."

"Jimmy, who else is there?" "Firemen."

"Well, can you put one of the firemen on the phone?" "They're busy."

"Jimmy, what are they all busy doing?" "They're all busy looking for me!"

Just like Jimmy, a lot of people are hiding. They're hiding from parents and police; they're hiding from bosses and spouses; they're hiding from teachers and coaches. And sometimes, maybe even most of the time, they're hiding from God. But why do we hide in life, especially from God? We've been trying to get away - trying to hide from Him because we know that we've done something wrong. We see that played out by our very first parents in the Garden of Eden. They desperately wanted to hide and get away from God. Zacchaeus was a man who was in hiding for a long time and now he was compelled to desperately discover Jesus for himself. He thought Jesus really didn’t know him but he was surprised …

Why did Jesus come?

1. Jesus came to FIND US (vs. 1-5)

Zacchaeus is curious and wants to see who Jesus is but he doesn't want Jesus to see him! Zacchaeus had been running but Jesus had chased him down. Zacchaeus had been hiding but now Jesus found him. Jesus wasn't so concerned with Zacchaeus' occupation or reputation, but was deeply concerned for his salvation because He loved him. [Ill: God visited Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to find them …]

2. Jesus came to be a FRIEND to SINNERS (vs. 6-7)

Zacchaeus hustles down out of that tree and receives Christ gladly but all the people grumble because Jesus has gone home with such a notorious sinner. He knew he was sinful, but I think he also knew, perhaps at some deep, intuitive level, that he had finally met the one person who could forgive his sinfulness and help him deal with all the brokenness that his sin had caused in his life and in the lives of others.

3. Jesus came to SAVE US (vs. 8-10)

Zacchaeus had been in sin but now he has been saved. That's what salvation is: its freedom from the power of sin. It appears that the major sin that Zacchaeus was trapped in was materialism. He was hiding in the pursuit of wealth, perhaps out of a legitimate desire for significance and security but it had so controlled his life that it caused him to hurt others and himself. But when he's found by Jesus and knows that he's been forgiven, he's finally set free from of the power of Mammon in his life. It may be any sin in your life!

Application: Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Only Jesus can save the lost! Have you surrendered your life to Him? Is He your all in all? Maybe some of us are being compelled by the HS tonight to surrender afresh to Jesus Christ who is our Lord, Savior and King.