Luke & Acts Episode 06

"Zacchaeus & The Son of Man" < --- Click To Download the Speaker Notes.

Scripture References

Luke 19:1–10, Genesis 3:8, Exodus 25:22, Leviticus 26:11–13, 2 Chronicles 7:1, Malachi 3:1, Matthew 1:22–23, John 14:23, Ephesians 2:21–22, Revelation 3:20, Revelation 21:3, 1 Timothy 1:14–15
 

Lesson Outline: Zacchaeus & the Son of Man

I. The Encounter in Jericho

Luke 19:1–4

• Jesus enters Jericho while passing through on His journey to Jerusalem.

• Zacchaeus is introduced:

• A chief tax collector

• Wealthy, likely through corruption

• Socially despised by fellow Jews for cooperating with Roman oppression.

• Zacchaeus wants to see who Jesus is, but his short stature prevents him from seeing over the crowd.

• His determination leads him to climb a sycamore tree, an act that shows both curiosity and urgency.

Key Idea:

Spiritual curiosity often precedes transformation. Zacchaeus seeks a glimpse of Jesus before he ever imagines Jesus will seek him.

II. Jesus Seeks Zacchaeus

Luke 19:5

• Jesus stops beneath the tree and calls Zacchaeus by name.

• He tells him, “I must stay at your house today.”

• This moment demonstrates:

• Jesus’ intentional pursuit of sinners.

• The divine initiative in salvation.

• The urgency in Jesus’ words (“I must”).

Key Idea:

The story reverses expectations—Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but Jesus came looking for him.

III. God’s Longstanding Desire to Dwell With Humanity

This moment connects to a larger biblical theme: God dwelling with His people.

1. God Walking with Humanity in the Beginning

• Genesis 3:8 – God walking in the garden.

2. God Dwelling with Israel

• Exodus 25:22 – God meeting His people above the Ark.

• Leviticus 26:11–12 – God promises to walk among His people.

• 2 Chronicles 7:1 – God’s glory fills the temple.

3. The Promise of God’s Coming Presence

• Malachi 3:1 – The Lord will come to His temple.

• Matthew 1:22–23 – Jesus is Immanuel, “God with us.”

4. God Dwelling with His People Through Christ

• John 14:23 – God makes His home with believers.

• Ephesians 2:21–22 – Believers become a spiritual dwelling place.

5. The Final Fulfillment

• Revelation 3:20 – Jesus knocking at the door.

• Revelation 21:3 – God dwelling with humanity forever.

Key Idea:

Jesus entering Zacchaeus’s home reflects God’s eternal plan to dwell with His people.

IV. The Crowd’s Reaction

Luke 19:7

• The crowd begins to mutter and complain.

• Their objection: Jesus is staying with a sinner.

Why the anger?

Zacchaeus represents everything they despise:

• Tax collectors worked for Rome, the occupying power.

• They often exploited their own people for profit.

• Zacchaeus is not just a tax collector but a chief tax collector, likely overseeing corruption.

Key Idea:

Religious people often struggle with the radical nature of grace.

V. Zacchaeus’ Specific Repentance

Luke 19:8

Zacchaeus publicly declares his change of heart:

• He will give half of his possessions to the poor.

• He will repay four times anyone he cheated.

Observations

• His repentance is:

• Immediate

• Concrete

• Costly

• Restorative

Key Idea:

True repentance produces visible change and restitution where possible.

VI. Salvation Comes to Zacchaeus’ House

Luke 19:9

Jesus responds:

“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham.”

This statement reveals:

• Zacchaeus is restored to God’s people.

• Salvation is demonstrated through transformation of heart and life.

VII. The Mission of the Son of Man

Luke 19:10

Jesus summarizes His mission:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The Gospel in One Sentence

• The Bad News: All people are sinners.

• The Good News: Jesus came to save sinners.

VIII. The Testimony of Grace

1 Timothy 1:14–15

Paul echoes this same truth:

• Christ came into the world to save sinners.

• Paul calls himself the worst of them.

Connection to Zacchaeus

Both Zacchaeus and Paul demonstrate:

• The depth of human sin.

• The overwhelming power of God’s grace.

 

Key Reflection Questions

1. How gladly do we welcome Jesus into our lives and homes?

2. Why might inviting Jesus fully into our lives feel intimidating?

3. Why do people sometimes resist grace being extended to obvious sinners?

4. What does specific repentance look like in our lives today?

5. Do we see ourselves the way Paul did—as sinners in need of grace?

Core Takeaways

• Jesus intentionally seeks those who are far from God.

• God’s ultimate plan has always been to dwell with His people.

• True repentance is specific, costly, and restorative.

• No sinner is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

• The mission of Jesus is clear: to seek and save the lost.