December 19, 2022 – Monday
Why Jesus Came – 8
Luke 19:10 NIV
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost
Comments
Earlier in this chapter Jesus saw Zacchaeus, a known tax collector who cheated people, in a tree and told him to come down so He could go to Zacchaeus’ house. This resulted in two reactions. First many, religious leaders and others, thought it was terrible that He was going to the house of a known sinner. Second, Zacchaeus repented publicly saying directly to Jesus, Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.
This led Jesus to say in verses 9 and 10, 9 Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house and perhaps to everyone in it as happened when Peter visited Cornelius’ house in Acts 10 and all there were saved. Zacchaeus also became a true son of Abraham when he acted on his newfound faith when he repented and was going to pay back anyone he had cheated, fourfold as found in Exodus 22:1.
Why had Jesus sought out Zacchaeus, a known sinner and invited Himself to share time with him? Jesus answers that question in verse 10, For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. Jesus came specifically to seek out and save people like Zacchaeus. In fact, Zacchaeus was lost; lost to his family, lost to his people, lost to those who might have become his friends, but as Jesus demonstrated he was not lost yet to God.
Jesus actually sought out Zacchaeus and then saved him. He did not force salvation on Zacchaeus but offered it to him by inviting Himself to his home. Zacchaeus somehow knew what was at stake here and quickly repented. A concrete example of Jesus seeking and saving the lost!
Bottom Line: Jesus never fails to do what He says He will do.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus not only wants to save us, but seeks us out so we can be saved. And when He no longer could do so, He sent His disciples out to do the same. Thank You Father. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek