Lesson 23 The Conversion of Zacchaeus
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. He said that He did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. He came to save sinners, heal the sick, deliver the oppressed and set the captives free. Zacchaeus had been hearing about Jesus, but had never seen Him. Suddenly, he heard that Jesus was passing by. He wanted to see Jesus by all means and at all costs. But being a short man, he could not see Him because of the multitude. He decided to run ahead to climb a sycomore tree where he could see Jesus. When Christ got to the place he was. He commanded him to make haste and come down. Zacchaeus made haste and came down, and they both went to his house. He was happy to see Jesus coming to his house and they ate together. Today, Jesus still seeks to save sinful boys and girls from their sins. If you open your heart to Him, He will come in and save you and abide with you all the days of your life
- SINCERE DESIRE TO SEE JESUS: Luke 19:1-4; Isaiah 55:6,7; Matthew 6:33.
Zacchaeus was a government official who collected tax from the citizens on behalf of the government. Most often, he collected more than he was expected and kept the remaining for himself. This made the people to see him as a “great sinner“. One day, Jesus was passing through Jericho and Zacchaeus heard the news. He desired so much to see the Saviour, so he left his house to join the people who also wanted to see Jesus. However, there was a serious challenge that would have hindered Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus. He was very short man; therefore, he could not get to the t Saviour because of the crowd. Instead of being discouraged, Zacchaeus made effort and took a step of faith by climbing a sycomore tree. This shows his determination and sincerity. He did not allow his stature, position in the society, riches, hatred from the people, family and other things to hinder him. He knew that if he missed seeing Jesus at that moment, he might not have the opportunity any more. Jesus, who knows the heart of all men, received Zacchaeus and saved him from sin and condemnation.
The door of salvation is open to everyone; but every individual has the duty to personally respond to the Saviour’s call. As a sinner, you are to seek the Lord now. “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6).
- THE SAVIOUR’S COMPASSION AND LOVE:
Luke 18:5-10; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:10,11; 15:13
Jesus Christ, our compassionate and loving Saviour still sought to save the lost close to the time of His crucifixion. Jesus concern was not the about Zacchaeus stature number/size of his sins. He was concerned about the soul. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). This is the primary objective and purpose of His birth and sacrifice on the cross at Calvary. Jesus did not only stop to call Zacchaeus, He followed him to his house. Nobody told Jesus the name of the man. He got to the tree. looked up and called him to come down. It was the greatest thing Zacchaeus ever experienced. The encounter changed his life and opened the gate of heaven for him. Today, you do not need to climb any tree before you can see Jesus. He is right there by the door of your heart, knocking. He loves you and desires to be your Friend. Like Zacchaeus, you must willingly open your heart for Him to come in.
- SALVATION AND CONVERSION OF A TRUE SEEKER:
Luke 19:1-10; Romans 10:8-13; 1 John 1:7-9
Conversion comes from the word convert, meaning change of state or condition. Conversion is a change of life, from a sinner to a saint. Other words for conversion are new life, new creature, salvation and being born again. Conversion is very important because without it, the sinner will go to hell fire after he dies in sin “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17) “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). Zacchaeus knew that he was a chief sinner among the publicans. He did not hide his sins, he joyfully received the Saviour by leading Him to his house. This encounter led to his conversion and salvation from sin and its consequence. Zacchaeus acknowledged his sinfulness, confessed his sins, repented and accepted Jesus as his Saviour and Lord. This is what God expects every sinful child to do. Do not give excuses for your sins. Without delay, repent and confess your sins to God.
When a child surrenders his life to Christ, he is said to be converted. When someone is converted, the fruit will be seen and known by everyone. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Zacchaeus confessed his sins, repented, accepted Jesus into his life and made restitution. “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:8).
When you become converted, you have to go a step further to do all restitutions, make peace with those you have offended and return all stolen things to the rightful owners. This will help you to have a conscience free of offence towards God and man.
QUESTIONS:
- What is conversion and what are other words We can use for conversion?
- Describe the life of Zacchaeus before he met Jesus.
- What step of faith did Zacchaeus take to see Jesus?
- Jesus followed Zacchaeus to his house because of his ____ and______
- What can sinners do to be saved?
MEMORY VERSE: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).
LESSON: Jesus has come to seek and to save all sinners.
THOUGHT: I will surrender to Jesus for my salvation.
ACTIVITY: Prayers and altar call.
CONGREGATIONAL SONG: GHS 38- HAVE YOU BEEN TO JESUS FOR THE CLEANSING POWER?
CHORUSES:
(1) I’m a new creation, I’m a brand-new man
(2) This little light of mine
(3) Zacchaeus was a wee little man.
HOMEWORK: Go and share your conversion experience with the children in your neighborhood.
BIBLE WORD SEARCH
Find the meanings of these words. You can use your dictionary.
- Conversion
- Hypocrite
- Restitution
- Compassion
- Genuine
