Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

This is a famous verse, and the story of Zacchaeus is famous, but I don’t know that we necessarily connect them in our minds. The story of Zacchaeus is particularly significant in light of what Jesus said in relation to the rich young ruler who came to Him: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25) It is stated clearly that Zacchaeus was rich, but he certainly got saved, by repentance through faith. As Jesus told His disciples, when they were amazed at His response to the rich young ruler, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) You could say that Jesus’ mission, as expressed in this verse, was an impossible one, but thankfully, it’s not impossible for God. On the face of it, it is impossible for sinful mankind to be received and accepted by holy God, but God accomplished the impossible by sending His Son to die, taking the penalty for the sins of mankind so that, like Zacchaeus, we can be saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) This verse indicates a very essential requirement for salvation: we have to recognize that we need it, that we are indeed lost. This is where many people hang up, and so condemn themselves to hell. Sadly, that includes many “fine, upstanding” people, because they trust in their own goodness rather than in the grace of God. It is only when we recognize that we are hopeless that we can receive the true hope of eternal life.

I’ve experienced this full blast. From the outside, I looked pretty good, having been raised in a strongly Christian home, baptized at seven, very familiar with the Bible, and a married father and church member – even a member of the choir! However, God in His mercy showed me the state of my soul, for just an instant, and I collapsed in repentance, crying out, “My Lord and my God.” I am eternally grateful not only that He did that, but that He enabled me to respond that way. I have debated in my mind whether I was saved before that, but I have absolutely no question that I am saved now, even though I still slip up at times. Now, my mission is an extension of that of Jesus, seeking the lost so that He can save them. I certainly can’t save anyone on my own! I’ll be seeing someone this morning who seems very close to opening his heart to Jesus, and it’s exciting. I not only want to see him saved, I want every believer in this church to have the experience of introducing people to Jesus so they can be saved. The experience is addictive! The number of lost people with whom we are surrounded is virtually unlimited, so it’s open season!

Father, thank You for this reminder. I do ask You to guide my lips and my actions, not just this morning but all the time, so that many, many more people may be brought into Your family, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!