For the last two weeks I have been using a theme - "Through the eyes of Jesus" I have examined the dangers of religion, and the futility of depending on works for salvation. Today I want to look through the eyes of Jesus and see an individual that by most of us would have been at least unpopular. Zacchaeus was probably not a favorite of the Jewish community.

 Zacchaeus was a tax collector for the Roman Government - no doubt a traitor in many's eyes. So picture if you will this great crowd of people that are happy to see Christ, so happy they have blocked this little short man's view. These enthusiastic people would probably be glad to see Christ change someone's life - WRONG. They had a different look that Christ. Let's look at Zacchaeus "through the eyes of Jesus!"

 I. Zacchaeus' Aspects

  A. Chief of the Publicans - vs 2

  B. Rich - 2

  C. Short/tiny in stature

  D. Unworthy sinner (in their eyes) - 7

 II. Zacchaeus' Attitudes

  A. Wondered about Christ (do others today?) - 3

  B. Made a special effort to see/know Him - 4

  C. He listened to Christ when He called to him (he made haste) - 6

  D. He was repentant of all misdeeds - 8

  E. He was receptive to salvation - 9

 III. Christ's Application of His View of Zacchaeus

  A. Christ came his way - 1

  B. Christ looked for Him (knew where he was & others today) 5

  C. Christ called to him (come down) - 5

  D. Christ converted him from the unworthy sinner to the "Son of Abraham"

vs 9-10

 IV. How Will We React to Christ's Potential Converts?

  A. Block the way like the crowd?

  B. See a short unworthy sinner like the crowd?

  C. Stand quietly by and just look on?

  D. Envision in all we know - that they are lost but can be a

"Son of Abraham"
 
 

 East 38th St. 01-19-97 Gary Marcum