01/03/2026
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐
๐๐ซ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ซ: ๐๐ญ๐ซ. ๐๐ฒ๐ฆ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ญ
๐๐๐ฑ๐ญ: ๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ ๐๐:๐-๐๐
๐๐ก๐๐ฆ๐: ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
"THE SEEKING SAVIOR"
When it looks like Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus, we learn that all the time Jesus was seeking Zacchaeus.
We think we're seeking God, but then we discover that all the time He was first seeking us to seek Him.
The key verse to our storyโand to the whole book of Lukeโis verse 10:
"The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
This is a Messianic term from Daniel 7, which Jesus used most often for Himself. He didn't come to be foundโHe came to seek.
๐. ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ (๐๐ฎ๐ค๐ ๐๐:๐-๐)
A. He was a tax collector Tax collectors had nasty reputations for overcharging. They collected taxes for the Roman Empire, for the province of Palestine, and received a commission from their collections. Zacchaeus wasn't just dislikedโhe was despised.
B. He was small in stature Zacchaeus was likely under 5 feet (1.52 meters) tall, while the average Jewish male was roughly 5'5" (1.65 meters). Being significantly shorter made it impossible for him to see over the crowd. Some scholars suggest he might have had dwarfism, while others emphasize the irony: he was physically small but held a powerful position.
C. He was wealthy (chief tax collector) Being a tax collector marked him as unpopular. His wealth, linked to his profession, earned him a reputation as a cheat and swindler. But Zacchaeus wasn't just any tax collectorโhe was the chief tax collector, at the top of the pyramid.
NOTE: HIS NAME Verse 2 says, "Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich."
The name Zacchaeus means "clean" or "innocent" or is translated "righteous one." The irony is strikingโa man called "righteous" living a life considered anything but.
NOTE: EVERYONE WAS SHOCKED Verse 7: "But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.'"
The religious leaders couldn't openly criticize Jesus, because what He was doingโseeking the lost.
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It appeared that Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus. He ran ahead, climbed a tree, positioned himself to see the Teacher passing by. But look at verse 5:
"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.'"
Jesus knew his name. Jesus looked for him. Jesus invited Himself to his house.
Zacchaeus thought he was seeking Jesus, but the truth isโJesus came to Jericho to seek Zacchaeus.
And here's the truth for you today: every time you thought you were looking for God, He was already calling your name. Your desire to know Him is proof that He's already pursuing you.
You think you're seeking God, but the truth isโHe was seeking you first. The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. You're already found.
The Seeker found you. Now come down and meet Him