Seek and Save

Sermon November 2, 2025, Luke 19:1-10

Seek and Save

Reverend Fred Okello

Sometimes, being curious can lead you to a divine encounter. You never know when a simple question or interest can lead to a life-changing revelation. I remember how much I loved reading books when I was in high school. A friend gave me a book one day, not knowing that God had put a message in it just for me. I started reading out of curiosity. What began as simple curiosity quickly turned into an encounter with the living Word. I let Jesus Christ into my life when I read that book, and everything changed.

In Luke 19, we meet a man who climbed a tree to see Jesus. He was rich enough to buy comfort but not peace. His name was Zacchaeus.

Jericho was a busy city with a trade route full of merchants, soldiers, and tax collectors. As the head tax collector, Zacchaeus was in charge of other tax collectors and made money off their dishonesty. He had money, but no purpose. He was successful, but not happy.

And yet, something moved Zacchaeus. He wanted to know who Jesus was. He might have heard of this teacher who healed the blind and ate with sinners. He might have thought, "Could this man see past my sin?"

He ran ahead, climbed a sycamore tree, and waited. What a wonderful view! A rich man was up a tree looking for something he didn't fully understand. Zacchaeus thought he was looking for Jesus, but Jesus was actually looking for him. And that's the story of grace: God has already reached out to us long before we do.

Zacchaeus's life is like that of many people today: we look successful on the outside but are spiritually hungry. Zacchaeus was short, but his biggest problem wasn't his height; it was his heart, which was heavy with guilt and greed.

Zacchaeus had trouble seeing Jesus because of the crowd that was in the way (social barriers).

He had a reputation that kept him from being part of the community (moral barriers).

He had his own pride, which could have stopped him from running or climbing (personal barriers).

But he got through them all. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. Think of a respected official doing something so rude! But that's what being desperate for God does: it humbles us and makes us look for God at all costs.

What "trees" might we have to climb to see Jesus today? Maybe it's the tree of prayer, humility, or repentance. To see the Savior clearly, we sometimes have to rise above the noise of the crowd and the opinions of others.

Jesus looked up and saw Zacchaeus. That's grace: Jesus looking up to one a society has looked down upon!

"Zacchaeus, come down right now," Jesus said. I have to stay at your house today.

Notice that Jesus calls him by name. Jesus doesn't say, "Hey you, tax collector." He says, "Zacchaeus." Grace is something that is unique to each person.

And then Jesus comes over! Not to judge, but to fellowship. Jesus doesn't wait for Zacchaeus to get his life in order first. Instead, he comes into the mess and cleans it up.

But the crowd complained, "He has gone to be a sinner's guest."

Yes, He has and thank God for that! That means there is hope for you and me!

Jesus still stops for people that society ignores. Jesus still calls people by name. When the world turns its back on you, Jesus invites into your heart and home.

Zacchaeus' life changed, and he stood up during the meal and said, "Look, Lord! Right now, I give half of what I own to the poor. If I have cheated anyone, I will pay them back four times what I owe them.

Zacchaeus changed from a greedy collector to a generous giver! Meeting Jesus changes our goals, our money, and our lives.

Jesus said, "Today salvation has come to this house because this man is also a son of Abraham." When the heart turns, salvation happens right away.

Jesus is still looking for people who are hiding in their own "trees," or people who want to see but are afraid to be seen. Jesus looks for the lonely, the sinner, the proud, the broken, the doubtful, the ashamed, and the lost.

Maybe Jesus is telling someone today, "Come down." Get off the tree of pride, fear, or relying on yourself. Come down and enjoy being with the Lord. Amen!