Proper 26

3 November 2013

Luke 19:1-10

November 3, 2013

Proper 26

"Salvation has come to this house!"

How do you react when someone you know tells you, "I've found God!" 'Oh ya...right…didn't know He was lost?!' We might think to ourselves because we might have become cynical of others. "All blow...no show!" is what we like to say. Are there fruits of repentance? In the life of Zacchaeus, the evidence of repentance is self-evident.

Jesus exclaims, "Salvation has come to this house!"

1.  He is also is a son of Abraham

     A.       Jesus is traveling, passing through Jericho home of the Samaritans

1.            He calls Zacchaeus by name, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down for today I must stay at your house! v5

2.            There's the natural reaction from Jesus' detractors, "He has gone to lodge at the home of a man who is a sinner" v7

     B.       The Holy Spirit calls gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps

                1.            In the 1st. Century, "The Lord was adding daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2

             2.               Today, the Lord continues to add to our midst. Do we receive them with joy? Do we welcome them? Do we look down at them with disdain?

Transition: Jesus welcomed Zacchaeus. We welcome others. Notice the transformation in The life of Zacchaeus.

2. He demonstrates in his life the genuine fruits of faith

A.            He ran ahead. Luke 19:4 "He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way."

    

B.            He received Jesus with joy.  Luke 19:6 "He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully."

C.            His life was transformed.  Luke 19:8 "Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."