Journey--Come- You are invited to ‘come’
Our theme is Journey and we’re learning about the adventure God has for His followers as they journey with Him. So far, we’ve seen why the journey is needed (our sin) and who made the journey possible (Jesus). Last week we saw that Jesus–
Luke 19:10 | “... came to seek and save those who are lost”
–and operates as the “gate” (John 10:9) through which we are saved. Apart from Jesus we are on a sinful path that leads to destruction, but God has a different journey for us, like our theme verse describes-
Hebrews 12:1b | … let us run with endurance the race (or the journey) God has set before us.
Last week we saw joining Jesus on the journey is only possible when we realize 1) we are sinners in need of a Savior and 2) the Savior we need is Jesus.
In the town of Jericho, Jesus once met a man who realized these two things. In Jericho–
Luke 19:2 | There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich.
You may recall from Matthew’s story that the Bible often refers to tax collectors as “despised” or hated because their sin was cheating or stealing from others. In fact, this man Zacchaeus is described as a notorious (well-known) sinner (Luke 19:7). But Zacchaeus knew Jesus was coming to town and must have known there was something about Jesus he needed to see for himself.
Luke 19:3 | He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd.
Many people would have given up at this point, but Zacchaeus demonstrated the endurance our theme verse references–
Luke 19:4 | So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
Now if we read through this too quickly, we might discount the wildness of Zacchaeus’ actions. But stop and think for a second. When was the last time you saw a full grown business man in a tree? He had to seem absurd to all who knew him, but still, without restraint, Zacchaeus scaled the tree for the opportunity to just get a glimpse of Jesus, the one they called Rabbi and Messiah. We can see desperation in Zacchaeus’ actions, perhaps the same desperation you feel when you contemplate your own depravity (wickedness) when you take on the full view of your sin.
Praise God that Jesus knows our hearts–
Psalm 139:1-2 | O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
Even while still far away, Jesus knew the desperation in Zacchaeus’ heart and his readiness to receive the Savior. Because of this, Jesus seeks out Zacchaeus, much like He does all who realize they are lost (Luke 19:10). Jesus gives him an invitation-
Luke 19:5 | When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Jesus invites Zacchaeus by name, as He invites all of us, to come. Come– respond to Him, receive Him, know Him, be transformed by Him.
Zacchaeus’ response is enthusiastic –
Luke 19:6 | Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.
But he doesn’t stop there. You see, recognizing our need for Jesus as Savior is easy. But becoming a disciple on the journey with Jesus requires Jesus as Lord. We saw this in the disciple series–
Luke 9:23b | “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”
Because Zacchaeus realizes He needs Jesus as Savior, He gladly accepts Him as Lord. Immediately, his actions radically change directions–
Luke 19:8-9 | Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham.”
Zacchaeus’ actions show His faith (James 2:18) as he now journeys with Jesus on a new path, going God’s way instead of His own.
Joining Jesus on the journey is only possible when we realize 1) we are sinners in need of a Savior and 2) the Savior we need is Jesus. Then, to actually join Him, 3) we must respond to His invitation to “come.” He freely offers the invitation to all saying-
Revelation 22:17b | “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.
He wants all to come – all to receive Him as Savior and Lord. He says–
Revelation 3:20a | “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in…
Respond to Jesus by admitting your sin, thanking Him for His sacrifice that makes salvation possible, and inviting Him to be Lord of your life. Come!
What invitation does Jesus offer to everyone?
Why doesn’t everyone accept Jesus’ invitation?
What does it mean to accept Jesus as Savior?
What does it mean to accept Jesus as Lord?
Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation?
When did you feel Him “knocking” at the door of your heart?
When and how did you respond?
If you haven’t responded, why not?
How can you share Jesus’ invitation to others?