Talk Tuesday - Salvation's Call: The Mission of Christ, Pt. II

1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:1-10 (NKJV)

Why does JESUS choose to go to Zacchaeus' house, when he could have chosen the home of a more 'righteous' man? The crowd's complaint is a telling indictment against tax collectors. It was through their efforts that their people were 'robbed' of money that not only went towards the building of the despised Roman Empire, but lined their own pockets through extortion and dishonesty. Notably, Zaccheus is described as a 'chief tax collector' who was 'rich'. This is akin to calling him a 'traitor' and a 'master thief'. This is who JESUS summoned!

Something happens to the heart of Zaccheus in the presence of JESUS- salvation, repentance and restitution. The mission of Christ is inherent in his response, “...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost,” Luke 19:10. Salvation's call is for all who would hear. What does that mean for the believer and non-believer alike?

“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

 “6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7

“16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16