The Reason I Came is to Seek and Save (Luke 19:10)

Series: Advent & ChristmasPreacher: Ps. James TangDate: 30th November 2025Passage: Luke 19:10Sermon Summary:Do we know why Jesus came? As we step into the month of December and prepare our hearts for His first coming—do we know why He came, the fullness of God in helpless babe? Luke 19:10 tells us that He came to seek and save the lost, and Zacchaeus’ story reflects this so beautifully. As a rich chief tax collector, Zacchaeus no doubt helped himself to some of the funds that he overcharged and collected for the Roman Empire. He was not a man of morals, and would have been scorned and despised by his fellow countrymen. Yet we see Jesus’ enthusiasm towards Zacchaeus’ curiosity: as Zacchaeus tried to get a better view of Him, Jesus declares that He must stay at Zacchaeus’ house today!We see the effects of this received grace on Zacchaeus: immediately he chooses to give half of his goods to the poor,and to restore fourfold of what he has defrauded. (v.8) This goes far beyond the additional one-fifth that is demanded ofhim in the Law. (Lev. 6:5) Curiosity comes first, then grace, and finally repentance that leads to life transformation.While it can be easy for us to dismiss Zacchaeus’ story, the truth is that all of us, in some form or another, are Zacchaeus. All of us have turned aside; not one of us seeks God. (Rom. 3:10-17) We are lost, and we need Jesus who came to seek and to save.That is why He needed to come down to earth, to find and to pursue us. If He hadn’t, no one would have.Now, then—what will you do, church? Knowing that if left to our own devices, not one of us would seek God? Will you answer God’s call on your life, or will you remain silent and indifferent? Will you remain where you are, comfortable and complacent, or will you partner with God to share His good news with all who so desperately need it?