We are all Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. He was wealthy, well-known, and hated by society. Yet, he climbed a tree in hopes of catching a glimpse of Jesus. He saw the chasm that existed, one he had tried to fill with money; but, it is a chasm only a Savior can fill. While the Pharisees shook their heads at this disgrace, Jesus exchanged the life of the sinner for His sinless and perfect life. We, like Zacchaeus, are corrupted by the things of this world that promise to bring us salvation. We place our faith in money, skills, relationships, and our own deeds. But, salvation has come to our house. It has not come by us climbing our own righteous ladder to look down, but by receiving Jesus the way He comes to us. Jesus is still seeking and saving, transforming and building. We may be in the tree looking for something, but Jesus is passing by. And, He offers us the same salvation that He offered to Zacchaeus.

Scripture References

Luke 9:29-30
Luke 18:11
Luke 19
Luke 5:31
2 Peter 1

You Reign | Grace Church Worship | iTunes
Hope of the World | Hillsong Live | iTunes
To the Cross I Cling | The Village Church | iTunes
God of the Redeemed | Bethel Music & Jeremy Riddle | iTunes
Lamb of God | Vertical Church Band | iTunes
I Am Not the Same | Grace-Midtown | iTunes

-Zacchaeus knew money was not enough. He knew he was missing something, and the desperation he felt drove him to Jesus. Is there something other than Jesus that you are trusting in to save you?
-We either recognize that we are messed up and broken and in need of a Savior, like the tax collector, or feel as though we can build a spiritual ladder to reach God with our actions and accomplishments like the Pharisees. Do you  see yourself as a sinner or are you comfortable in our own righteousness like the Pharisee?
-Repentance is not just turning away from something but also turning towards holiness and righteousness. How can we seek repentant faith in our own lives? In what areas of your life do you need to repent?

Thoughts to Consider

-The pursuit of things we love like money, relationships, or self-fulfillment often leave us empty and unsatisfied—yearning for something else. These are merely spiritual substitutes that eventually lead us to faith in Christ—the only real satisfaction.
– Repentance is necessary for salvation. Repentance is not just regret or behavior modification. It is instead a never ending process of us recognizing where we have fallen short and our sinfulness— turning from what cannot save us, and moving toward the One who will.
-Grumbling, or bitter complaining, is one way to assess whether you have forgotten what God has done for you and instead are comfortable in your own righteousness. Grumbling is threatening to your spiritual life.
– We must remain faithful through our attitude and actions. Zacchaeus’ attitude was joyful. Where he should have been ashamed and embarrassed, he found himself turning from something of lesser value for something of true value. Faith in what was in front of him brought him true joy.