What Do We Need to See?
Lu. 19:1-10
INTRO: So what can we gain from the story of Zachaeus? Just a little short guy that climbed up a tree? No much more than that it is an example of exactly what God wants to give us spiritually in our lives!!!! Although this is usually seen as a means for knowing Christ, we can also see it as an opportunity to grow closer to Christ.
Luke
19:1-10(KJV)
1And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the
chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press,
because he was little of stature.
4And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him:
for he was to pass that way.
5And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and
said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at
thy house.
6And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was
gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
8And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half
of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by
false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house,
forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost.
We can understand that…
Jesus wants to visit us, know us, grow closer to us
Has He entered your life?
Is He passing through?
Is the door open?
Does He have plans to stay?
There is no one too mean/good/rich/poor/ physically limited/etc. to know Christ
As far as Christ is concerned
As far as we as a church is concerned?
What about you? Do you consider yourself too mean? Too good? Rich? Poor? Short? Etc.
Many "things" can prevent or hinder (if we allow) our "seeing/knowing" Jesus
Where we live
Our job (Chief of publicans)
Our money (or lack of money)
Our friends
Our goals
OURSELF!!!!
Anything we are not willing to let go of, in order to know Christ or know Him better
Maybe some small thing that eats away slowly
The opportunity to "see" or “commune” with Jesus is NOW
Why wait? What do we lose by waiting?
Why look elsewhere?
Why worry?
Why not now?
Why not seek Him out like Zacchaeus
Jesus desires/demands more than a "glimpse" in our lives
He does not want part-time Christians
He does not want half-hearted Christians
He does not want half-dedicated Christians
He does not want our leftovers or crumbs!
He wants our desire to give him our life
Jesus foresees and wants the kind of dedication from you that Zachaeus had.
His money (half his goods to the poor)
The old saying: Until you win someone’s wallet, they are not won
His actions/deeds (make any wrongs right)
His life (Jesus was not done with Zachaeus)
His thoughts/plans/goals (Zachaeus was not done with Jesus)
What are you seeking from Him?
A better you?
A better/closer relationship with Him?
Peace with Him and yourself?
Or should I ask…
What Is He seeking from you?
Gary Marcum – New Beginnings Church – 031410pm- first used 092798am