Changed by Christ - Luke 19:1-10

(Zacchaeus)

by David Woods

The lesson for this week focuses on the transformation that was made in Zacchaeus’ life. However, in my comments and questions for this lesson, I would like us to focus on lessons that this scripture teaches us about evangelism.

Read Luke 19:1-4

Our scripture tells us about a rich IRS agent named Zacchaeus who really wanted to see Jesus, but could not because he was so short.

Discussion: What lesson might this teach us about our evangelism efforts?
(We should always be aware for those who are hungry for the Gospel, but are not easily noticed because of various barriers. Those who are most receptive to the Gospel may include people whom we would not think were receptive at all.)

Discussion: What do you think caused Zacchaeus to be so intent on seeing Jesus?
(Possible answers: Guilt of sin, curiosity about a famous preacher, etc.)

Discussion: What can we do today to create, or at least reveal, such spiritual hunger in people?

Discussion: Do you believe the Church can attract the attention of spiritually hungry people like Jesus did?

Discussion: How does your answer to the previous question mesh with Jesus’ statement in John 14:12-14?

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

It appears one of the reasons why Jesus drew such great crowds was because He had become famous. You might even go as far to say Jesus was a “rock star” of the first century.

Discussion: Should the Church today be afraid of trying to draw a crowd through “sensational” means (ie, inviting well-known speakers, holding concerts, putting on various productions)? What is the extreme we should avoid?

Read Luke 19:5-7

Discussion: What lesson might verse five teach us about what it is necessary for us to do to reach people?
(Often we will need to take the initiative in making contact and calling people to make a decision for Christ.)

Discussion: How would our church react if we began getting a bad reputation? If we were known for a ministry to prostitutes? To gang-bangers? To drug addicts? To homosexuals? To welfare-mindset people? To people who brought food into the sanctuary? To people who dressed immodestly?

Read Luke 19:8-10

Note that Jesus did not tell Zacchaeus that he should make restitution as a follower of Christ. Instead, Zacchaeus spontaneously decided that he should and must make restitution for his wrong deeds if he wanted to be Christ’s follower.

Discussion: What implication might we draw from Jesus not telling Zacchaeus what he should do as “a Christian”?
(While proper Christian instruction is a necessary element of discipleship, the Holy Spirit is very able to reveal to people the changes they need to make in their lives - even without us telling them what exact changes they should make.)

Discussion: Can we trust the Holy Spirit to make such necessary changes in people - without our “help”?

We understand that Christ knows all things. Therefore, He knew that Zacchaeus had undergone a “conversion” experience.

While we understand this, I still want us to consider something interesting. Jesus said, “This day is salvation come to this house.” Zaccheus never followed the “formula” we have developed for salvation - ask for forgiveness of sin, believe on Christ, confess Him as Lord.

Discussion: Why did Jesus confirm Zacchaeus to be a “Christian” even though he did not follow the “formula” for salvation?

Discussion: Why did Jesus call Zacchaeus a “son of Abraham”?
(Tax collectors were Jews who were hired by the Roman government to collect the taxes of the Jews. The Jews saw the Roman government as illegal. Therefore, tax collecting was compromise with sin and the world - of the worst kind. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews and no longer accepted as true Jews. Jesus was telling everyone that they should fully accept Zacchaeus as a Jew - part of their nation and part of their family.)

Discussion: Does our church fully accept immediately as “Christian” and “part of the family of God” those who confess Christ as Lord and Saviour, regardless of their background and experiences in sin?

Verse ten is key to this passage of scripture. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Why was He impervious to the ridicule of the religious elite? Why was He so keenly aware of those who were spiritually hungry? Why did He willingly accept terrible sinners regardless of who they were and what they had done?

Christ’s mission was to rescue people from sin. He did not come to earth to be famous. He did not come to earth to build a great church building. He did not come to simply be with religious people. He came to save the lost.

Christ is now in Heaven, preparing a place for His followers. But the Bible teaches us that the Church - Christians - are the Body of Christ. We are to do the work that Jesus would do if He were still on earth today.

Furthermore, Christ has commissioned us to make disciples of all nations.

Big Idea: The Church’s mission is to rescue people from sin.

Discussion: Do the activities and direction of our church reveal that we consider our mission to be rescuing people from sin?

Discussion: What and how should we change as individuals and a local church so that it might be said of us that our mission is to rescue people from sin?