10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NASB95)

The Story of Zaccheus—Luke 19:1-10

If in the presence of the Lord like Zaccheus, or face to face with a truth about him by word of mouth or on a page in scripture, you are no longer technically “lost.” The Lord has sought and found you. He now must save you, and this is his stated intent here, “to seek and to save that which was lost.” [emphases mine] Those smarter than me say that this verse is Luke’s theme, and this seems true.

Yet, with Bartimaeus and now Zaccheus, he was just passing through. What caused both to sense that he was the one and to energetically seek him? What stopped Jesus in his tracks? A clue may be in whether Zaccheus was already making restitution. The words used seem to indicate that, and it appeared as such, that he was already lawfully making amends. Despite his waywardness, he was doing what a “Son of Abraham” should do. With Jesus now on the scene, the compelling reason for his change of heart—the fulfillment of the Law and scripture—was within view.

It is also clear that while Zaccheus was attempting to catch a glimpse of the master, the Lord knew where he was and engaged him. This rendezvous with destiny depicts all the moving parts of a salvation experience. How amazing the choreography! What we learn here makes it almost impossible to come down on either side of a theological fence. Zaccheus joyously pursued. Jesus called. Zaccheus’ heart was ripe. Jesus harvested.

Amidst the throng of people, one man drew the Lord’s focus, and he had positioned himself only to be able to see him. Our prayer is that God draw the lost to him, that he call them, and that he save them. That is our view of it all from the sycamore tree.