How Zacchaeus was saved

Expository Preaching Outline on Luke 19:1-10 – When Jesus had entered Jericho, he was passing by. And behold, there was a man there named Zacchaeus; and he was a ruler of the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, and could not because of the crowd, for he was small of stature. So he ran forward and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was passing that way. And when Jesus came to that place, looking up, he saw him and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.

Introduction to Luke 19:1-10

We all remember the song we sang in Bible School about Zacchaeus. Do you remember it?

Zacchaeus was a short man,
He was very small,
He climbed a fig tree,
Because he wanted to see Jesus.
And when the Savior passed by,
He looked up and said:
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
For today I’m coming to your house!”

This simple song contains a lot of biblical truth – perhaps more than any other I’ve ever learned. But it doesn’t tell the whole story! Yes, Zacchaeus met Jesus, and Jesus called him to come down from the tree, but so much more happened that day!

When Zacchaeus climbed up that tree, he was a lost sinner. But when he came down, he was already a child of God. And I want to understand how this happened in his life. Do you know why? Because it also happened in my life, in the lives of other people here and it can happen in yours too. Let’s analyze this passage and reflect together on how Zacchaeus was saved!

I. V. 1-4 – HE EXPERIENCED A DIVINE ENCOUNTER

A. V. 2 – Your Description:

Zacchaeus was a publican (tax collector) and very rich. He was hated by the people because he worked for Rome and extorted money from the Jews. If Rome charged 5% tax, he could demand 10% or 15% and keep the difference. For this reason, he was seen as a great sinner.

B. V. 3 – Your Wish:

Although he was rich and powerful, something was missing in his life. When he heard that Jesus would be passing through Jericho, he wanted to see him. Had he heard of Jesus’ miracles – like the healing of blind Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43)? Perhaps he thought: “If he’s done that for others, he can do something for me!”

C. V. 4 – Your Decision:

Because he was short, Zacchaeus climbed a fig tree to see Jesus. Something drove him to humble himself like a child, just to get a glimpse of the One who could fill the void in his heart.

(Note: Like Zacchaeus, many people seem to have everything, but inside they are empty. They try everything – money, pleasure, power – but nothing satisfies them. Then one day they hear about Jesus and something awakens inside them. That’s how it was for me!)

II. V. 5 – HE HEARD A DIVINE CALL

As Jesus passed by, he stopped, looked up and said:
“Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today.”

A. A Personal Call:
Jesus called Zacchaeus by name (“Zacchaeus” means pure). Many insulted him, but Jesus saw him not as he was, but as he could be.

B. A clear call:
Jesus left no doubt: “Come down now!” In the same way, he calls us clearly to salvation:

Recognize that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23).
Believe in Jesus (Acts 16:31).
Receive salvation (John 6:37).

C. A Call with Promise:
Jesus not only wanted to meet you, but to come to your house. When He enters a life, everything changes (2 Corinthians 5:17)!

III. V. 6-10 – HE EXPERIENCED A DIVINE TRANSFORMATION

A. V. 6 – He obeyed:
Zacchaeus immediately went down and received Jesus into his house – and into his heart.

B. V. 8 – He Changed:
Immediately, he promised:

Give back four times as much to those who stole.
Give half your possessions to the poor.
That shows true conversion!

C. V. 9-10 – He Was Confirmed:
Jesus declared, “Today there has been salvation in this house!”

Conclusion

Jesus came to “seek and save the lost” (v. 10). What happened to Zacchaeus can happen to you! If you are empty, hopeless, or just want to give thanks for your salvation, respond to His call today.

Are you saved? Do you want to be?

If not, come to Jesus now.
If you already are, but you’re far from him, come back.
If you just want to say thank you, come and worship.

(Note: If you feel that God is speaking to you, don’t ignore this call!)

“The Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 19:10 ✞

How Zacchaeus was saved – Luke 19:1-10