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

Seek (Def.): (Gr.): Zeteo: To inquire, to desire, to worship (God)

The Lord Jesus is in His nature a savior. His mission to mankind was the ultimate search and rescue operation. We were lost, the whole of creation was lost and subject to corruption (cf. Romans 8:20-22), the dominion of the Kingdom on earth was lost and under the control of Satan (cf. Matthew 4:8-9). We were in desperate need of a savior.

There was in the heart of the Father a deep desire for Man, for His creation and for His Kingdom to be reestablished on earth. The Son, the Savior was given and sent forth to “seek and to save that which was lost”.

The story of the salvation of Zacchaeus is a microcosm of the desire of the Father for Man. Zacchaeus was a tax collector in the City of Jericho, the “chief among the publicans” (Luke 19:2), a rich man of Abraham’s seed.

Zacchaeus was curious to see Jesus and to know who He was (Luke 19:3). Being short of stature he climbed up a sycamore tree to get a better look as Jesus passed by that way. The account in the Gospel of Luke tells us:

“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw Zacchaeus and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down, for today I must abide at your house'” (Luke 19:5).

The Savior met the seeker and made Himself known to him. The Savior knows the heart of all who are searching for the True and Living God, the Creator of heaven and earth; and the Savior goes to them to save, rescue and restore them to the Father.

Savior: (Def): (Gr.): Soter from Sozo: To save, deliver, protect; Healer

Jesus, our Lord, our Savior came to save, deliver, protect and heal us; to save us from our sin, deliver us from evil, protect us from the Evil One and heal and restore us to wholeness in body, soul and spirit.

The testimony of the Apostles is true:

“We have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world” (I John 4:14).

“Simon Peter, a servant and an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:1).

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our Savior” (Titus 3:5-6).

Zacchaeus responded to his encounter with the Savior with the words:

“Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8).

Jesus acknowledged the true repentance of Zacchaeus and the charity from his repentant heart with His proclamation:

“This day is salvation come to this house, for as much as he also is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9).

The mission to Jericho was accomplished. Our Savior came “to seek and save that which was lost” and the salvation of Zacchaeus was complete.

Now, let us connect the story to us, today. Jesus is being presented in our town. Now, where are you, friend? Are you seeking after Jesus? Do you want to know Him? The good news is God knows your heart. He will respond to your seeking heart in kind. He will come to your house and show you the way. Salvation will come to your house when you open the door and let Him in to dine in the Spirit. You will be born again. You will be saved.

Our Savior, our Lord, our Master and Friend. Son of God, only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Make haste to hear His voice. Be saved, delivered, restored and healed today.

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