Salvation Has Come to This House

In Luke 19:2–9, we read about Zacchaeus’ character.

Luke 19:2–4 (AMPC): “And there was a man called Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, and [he was] rich. And he was trying to see Jesus, which One He was, but he could not on account of the crowd because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass that way.”

One of the challenges Zacchaeus faced was the crowd. Sometimes, we are content to remain in the crowd, yet we desire intimacy with God. If Sunday service is the only time we spend with the Lord, we have got it all wrong.

Jesus didn’t meet Zacchaeus personally in the crowd, but in his house, where a transformation occurred. How is our character once we return home from church or go back to work/school on Monday? We must stand out in the likeness of Christ.

Another challenge was Zacchaeus’ small stature, but that didn’t deter him from encountering Jesus personally. He took action by running ahead and climbing a tree just to see Jesus, which might have made him look foolish in the eyes of others. But remember, the things of the Spirit can seem foolish to the flesh.

1 Corinthians 1:27 (AMPC): “[No] for God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame.”

Are we willing to make a fool of ourselves for His sake? When was the last time we were so eager that we were willing to do anything to meet Jesus? We often want what Zacchaeus experienced that day but are unwilling to leave the crowd and go the extra mile for Him. We need to make a daily effort to spend time with Jesus.

Luke 19:5–7 (AMPC): “And when Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.’ So he hurried and came down, and he received and welcomed Him joyfully. And when the people saw it, they all muttered among themselves and indignantly complained, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of and lodge with a man who is devoted to sin and preeminently a sinner.’”

On that day, Jesus stopped and called Zacchaeus by name. Zacchaeus means “pure” and “innocent.” God has called us by our name (Isaiah 45:4). The crowd judged Zacchaeus and labeled him a sinner based on what they saw and knew of him. But Zacchaeus responded to Jesus by receiving and welcoming Him joyfully. The crowd’s opinion no longer mattered.

When was the last time we heard God speak to us personally? If God prepares a table before us (Psalm 23:5), but we never find the time to sit with Him, then we have missed the point. How often do we come to Him, listen to His voice, and obey?

Luke 19:8 (AMPC): “So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, ‘See, Lord, the half of my goods I [now] give [by way of restoration] to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I [now] restore four times as much.’”

An encounter with the Lord leads to a change in our character, as we see with Zacchaeus. His actions reflected the transformation in his heart. Zacchaeus walked the talk—he was changed and transformed.

The more we spend time in His Word, the more the Word cleanses, prunes, and ignites us. Our lives become the “Bible” that people read, not just the words we speak. Our actions as Christians will be a testimony for the world to see.

Luke 19:9 (AMPC): “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today [Messianic and spiritual] salvation has come to [all the members of] this household since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham.’”

What Does Salvation Mean?

To Be Rescued: Since we have been called into His marvelous light, we ought to be the light in the darkness.

1 Peter 2:9 (AMPC): “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation [God’s] own purchased special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Safety: God’s heart is to watch over us. When we dwell in Him continuously, no matter what comes, God will keep us safe.

Psalm 91:1 (AMPC): “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].”

To Deliver: It is Christ who delivers us, and He still delivers today.

John 8:36 (AMPC): “So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.”

Health: God has made us whole and complete.

Isaiah 53:5 (AMPC): “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our guilt and iniquities; the chastisement [needful to obtain] peace and well-being for us was upon Him, and with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.”

To Be Saved/Rescued/Redeemed through the Blood of Christ: We are saved through His sacrifice.

Conclusion

Be willing to do anything to see and know Jesus. Believe that salvation can come to your house. Seek God first, His kingdom, and His righteousness.

Matthew 6:33 (AMPC): “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

Hallelujah and Amen!