Thoughts have power and choices have consequences. That is, every thought we have can develop into something great and every choice that we make can either reap great blessing or cause great pain. For that reason we must be very careful in how we approach certain settings. This week’s sermon starter is about some thoughts Zacchaeus had, the choice he made resulting, and how they equally apply to us. (Disclaimer:while I would love to claim total originality with this sermon I got the skeleton outline from somebody somewhere and I wish I could remember so I could give them credit. However, I can’t so I won’t. But I hope it can be a help to you as it was to me).
Title: Thoughts From the Top of a Tree
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Main Point: Zacchaeus was a publican, a Jew who collected taxes for the Roman government. This simple fact made him a most hated man, despised by all his brethren around him. But one day as Jesus was passing through Jericho Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see him and while in that tree a series of thoughts developed based on his interaction with the Lord:
§ He Thought – Jesus Sees Me (vs. 5) – About God, Elihu said, “For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings” (Job 34:21). God can see us – all things at all times, including the secret and unspoken thoughts of the heart and our emotions. This reality can be disturbing if we are lost sinners or wayward Christians who are intent on worldly living and carnal pleasure. But it can be a comforting reality to Christians who obey Him in love and are committed to endure through hard times (1 Corinthians 16:9). While some have tried to hide from God (Jonah) Zaccaheus, through immense effort, found himself in the sight of his Lord and he took great joy in that fact.
§ He Thought – Jesus Knows Me (vs. 5) – Without prompting or asking, Jesus called Zacchaeus’ name – He knew who he was. God knows us. After all He did create us. But He does more than just know about us, He knows us intimately (Psalm 103:13-14; Matthew 10:29-30). Because God knows us we have no reason but to be absolutely honest with Him in all things. We should be honest in our relationships, prayers, living, etc. After all, He already knows us so what do we think we are going to hide?
§ He Thought – Jesus Loves Me – As a publican Zacchaeus would have known very little love among his neighbors. He would not have been welcomed in their homes and they would have turned their heads in spite when passing him on the street. In fact, Jesus was even despised at times because He simply interacted with the publicans. But while who we are may make us unattractive and unlovely to the world God loves us in spite of it all (Romans 5:8).
§ He Thought – Jesus Wants Me – After being called by Jesus, Zacchaeus rushed to get down out of the tree. Jesus wanted his company, to stay in his house. What an honor! But Jesus just as equally wants us. But why? Matthew 5:16 mentions three reasons – to love Him, to serve Him, and to glorify Him. God wants us, but we must equally want Him in our lives.
§ He Thought – Jesus Can Have Me (vs. 6) – Not only did Zacchaeus receive Jesus gladly, but He emphasized His willingness and desire to live a godly life. We must similarly be willing to turn our lives over in absolute and complete submission to Jesus (Isaiah 6:8).
The not so ironic thing about this series of thoughts was that the first four were going to be true regardless of whether Zacchaeus recognized them or not. He could not control Jesus seeing him, knowing him, loving him, or wanting him. Jesus sees all, knows all, loves all, and wants all. The difference, though, was in the choice. When Zacchaeus decided he wanted Jesus too, that’s what made all the difference. Jesus could have Zacchaeus, but can He have you?