- Luke 19:10 - For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
- Ephesians 2:1 - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins
- 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
- Romans 5:12 - Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned
Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost and to give life to those who trust in Him.
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector working for the Roman government. Because of his profession, his fellow countrymen viewed him with hatred. Therefore, when Jesus wanted to be a guest in his home, the crowd complained. But Jesus replied: 'For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.'
Here, the word 'lost' carries significant meaning. To be lost is to be separated from where you belong and to be unable to return by your own power. This describes a state of being spiritually dead and blind to the truth of God. These characterize the condition of all humanity.
Zacchaeus felt that something was missing in his life. Perhaps that is why he climbed a tree to see Jesus. For a man with a high position in society, this was by no means normal behavior. But Jesus saw him, called him by name, and came to him.
What changed Zacchaeus’s life was not his profession or status, but his encounter with Jesus Christ. When we trust in our Savior, we also receive spiritual life.
Reflection
What steps do you take to see Jesus when you feel that something is missing in your life?
