Daily Devotions
Luke
Luke 19 : 1-10 "TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE" Luke 19:9"
Day 233 – Luke 19
Text: Luke 19 : 1-10
“TODAY SALVATION HAS COME TO THIS HOUSE” Luke 19:9
Zacchaeus’ heart must have been thrilled when he heard these words from the lips of the Lord Jesus Christ! “Salvation has come to this house…” What wondrous words these are!
Why did Jesus say these words? On what basis did He make this proclamation? Let us consider just two things:-
1. How Zacchaeus sought and received Jesus proved that he had experienced true salvation
a) He had sought the Lord Jesus out. He went through a lot of trouble just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. (Have you ever climbed a tree… as an adult)?
b) How he received Jesus tells an important story. We read that he received Jesus “joyfully” (Luke 19:6). What a contrast to others who received Jesus into their homes only to find fault with Him (Luke 7:36-39; 14:1-6)
2. How his heart was changed was another obvious indication of true salvation
a) With reference to his regard for money. Jesus had encountered people who loved money more than God (Cf. Luke 18:18-27). Here was a rich tax collector who was going to give a great deal of his money away. He was going to give “half of his goods to the poor” (Luke 19:8). Jesus had not required this at all. But He did not need to, for the heart of Zacchaeus must have been deeply touched and blessed. He could part with 50% of his goods even though this was not demanded of him.
b) With reference to any misdeed in the past. Tax collectors were notorious for the way they extorted money from taxpayers. They resorted to many unscrupulous means to obtain money. A hint of this is found in Zacchaeus’ statement about having “taken anything from anyone by false accusation” (Luke 19:8). Tax collectors could get away with a lot of mischief, because they held public office as tax collectors. They were backed up by the might of Rome. Many people were not aware of what Rome actually charged as government taxes. The taxation system was open to a lot of abuse! Zacchaeus was willing and prepared to pay back fourfold! That was a very good and clear indication as to the fact that his heart was changed – permanently and for the better!
“HE ALSO IS A SON OF ABRAHAM” Luke 19:9
This was an exceptional phrase Jesus used to describe Zacchaeus. It must have brought a special sense of joy to Zacchaeus’ heart when he heard these words. Jesus called him “A son of Abraham”.
What does this really mean? In the Old Testament, God promised that He would bless Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-7; 17:1-8). To be called “A son of Abraham” was to honour Zacchaeus indeed. Jesus refused to call the Pharisees the sons of Abraham. In fact he said that their father was the devil himself (John 8:44).
Insight as to the significance of this term, “A son of Abraham” may be drawn from a careful study of the dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees (Cf. John 8).
John carefully recorded the conversation Jesus had with the Pharisees who were trying very hard to find fault with Jesus. In reply Jesus remarked,
“If you were Abraham’s children…(or “sons of Abraham”),
you would do the works of Abraham.”
John 8:39
Zacchaeus demonstrated the fact that he was indeed a son of Abraham by what he did.
1. Receiving Heavenly Visitors (Genesis 18)
Once Abraham received heavenly visitors. He accorded them due honour and respect. So did Zacchaeus (Not all who took Jesus into their homes gave Him due respect)! How joyfully he received Jesus into his home!
2. Giving away money (Genesis 14:18-20)
Abraham was most generous with the use of his funds too. On one occasion, at the defeat of his enemies, he worshipped God and gave to the High Priest Melchizedek “a tithe of all” (Genesis 14:20).
In the war to rescue his nephew Lot from a confederation of tribal chieftains, Abraham refused to take what was his by law of ancient war system – “To the victor belongs the spoils of war.”
He took a tenth of what was his by right of conquest and gave that as his offering to God. However, his heart was unspoilt by love for money. He had made a promise to God,
“I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High,
The Possessor of heaven and earth,
That I will take nothing,
From a thread to a sandal strap,
And that I will not take anything that is yours…”
Genesis 14:22-23
Zacchaeus may once have been corrupted by love for money. He may have become rich through wrong and dishonest means. However, he had received Jesus into his house (equivalent of “receiving Jesus into his heart”) and his heart was now changed forever. His heart now reflected that of his father Abraham. He had proven himself to be “also a son of Abraham”.
“THE SON OF MAN HAS COME TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THAT WHICH WAS LOST” Luke 19:10
Zacchaeus may be cited as a classic example of one who was “lost”. He had wandered far from the fold of God. Jesus came and sought him out. He came to save him from his sins. True salvation was offered to Zacchaeus. True fruit of salvation was seen immediately! “The things which are impossible with man are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Have you experienced true salvation? Is there positive proof of salvation?