Three attitudes that please God

Today we turn our attention to a remarkable encounter in the life of Jesus, recorded in Luke 19:1-10: the story of Zacchaeus. Whose name means "pure" or "righteous," lived a life that stood in stark contrast to his name until the day he encountered the Lord. He was a chief tax collector, a position despised by his fellow Jews as these individuals often collaborated with the Roman Empire and were known for their greed and extortion.

Yet, within this unlikely figure, we find three attitudes that pleased God and offer us a powerful example to follow. As we examine encounter with Jesus, may we be inspired to cultivate these same attitudes in our own hearts, drawing us closer to our Savior.

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INTRODUCTION:

A. ZACCHAEUS - MEANS: "PURE OR RIGHTEOUS." It is a beautiful irony that a man known for his questionable profession bore a name signifying purity and righteousness. But as our introduction states, proved to be righteous when he found the Lord and believed in Him. His encounter with Jesus was a turning point, a moment of transformation that aligned his life with the meaning of his name.

B. He was a chief tax collector. Let us remember the context. Tax collectors were Jewish people working for the Roman Empire, collecting taxes from their own nation, Israel. This made them social outcasts, often viewed as traitors and thieves who enriched themselves at the expense of their countrymen.

C. We will look at the attitudes he had:

1. He tried to see Jesus (vv. 3-4). Despite his wealth and status, recognized a deeper need within him, a yearning to see the man who was causing such a stir in the region.

2. He received the Lord with haste and joy (vv. 5-6). When Jesus acknowledged him and invited Himself to his home, responded with immediate enthusiasm and delight.

3. He was willing to make restitution for his sins (v. 8). The encounter with Jesus brought about a profound change, leading him to a radical act of repentance and a commitment to right his past wrongs.

D. These three qualities, which we will see in this lesson, will help us imitate him and please God. By understanding and emulating these attitudes, we too can walk a path that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

I. HE TRIED TO SEE JESUS. LUKE 19:3-4

A. When Jesus entered Jericho, a significant trading center, as the director of the tax collectors in that region, held a position of considerable authority and wealth. Verse 2 tells us three key things about him:

1. He was the chief tax collector (v. 2). This highlights his prominent and influential, albeit unpopular, role.

2. He was rich (v. 2). His profession had brought him material prosperity.

3. He was short (v. 3). This physical limitation became an obstacle in his desire to see Jesus.

B. He wanted to see Jesus; possibly he had heard so much about Jesus that now that he had the opportunity to meet Him in person, he didn't want to miss it. Despite his wealth and the social barriers that might have kept him aloof, possessed a curiosity, a longing to see this man who was performing miracles and teaching with such authority. This desire, this seeking, is the first step towards encountering the Lord.

C. But he encountered an obstacle: he couldn't see because of the crowd because of his short stature (v. 3). Satan puts many obstacles in our way to Jesus. Just as him faced a physical barrier, we too often encounter spiritual obstacles that hinder our approach to Christ. We see a similar situation in Mark 2:1-4, where a paralytic couldn't reach Jesus because of the crowd.

1. We also have obstacles to reaching Jesus, but what are we doing? Are we giving up? Or are we struggling to reach Jesus? Like who climbed a tree (Luke 19:4), and the paralytic who was taken up through the housetop (Mark 2:4), we must be persistent and creative in overcoming the barriers that stand between us and the Lord. Are we passively accepting our limitations, or are we actively seeking ways to draw closer to Him?

2. What obstacles is Satan putting in our way to worship God? These obstacles can take many forms:

◦ Work: The demands of our jobs can sometimes consume our time and energy, leaving little room for God.

◦ Our money: As with the rich young ruler (Luke 18:22-23), our attachment to wealth can become a stumbling block. Many rich people put their trust in their riches (1 Timothy 6:17), forgetting that "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). Despite his wealth, did not let it prevent him from seeking Jesus.

◦ Our secular studies: While education is important, it should not lead us away from God or diminish our spiritual focus.

◦ Sports, our family, our friends, our financial problems, our illnesses, the world with its pleasures: These can all become distractions that pull us away from our relationship with God if we allow them to take priority.

◦ Our life, that is, our bad reputation:As a chief tax collector, had a notoriously bad reputation (Luke 19:7). Many people feel unworthy or believe God won't forgive them because of their past. But God is willing to forgive if we repent of our sins (Acts 2:37-38).

◦ What obstacles is Satan putting in our way right now to prevent us from serving God? Let us remember the exhortation in James 4:7: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

◦ He overcame his obstacle. He was rich, short, and had a bad reputation. Let us imitate in our perseverance and determination to see Jesus.

II. HE RECEIVED THE LORD WITH ALL HURRY AND JOY. LUKE 19:5-6.

A. When Jesus arrived at the place, he looked up and called him by name, (v. 5). This personal recognition by Jesus is profound. Jesus likely didn't know personally, highlighting His omniscience, just as we see in the case of Nathanael (John 1:47-48) and His awareness of people's hearts (John 2:23-25). Jesus sees us, knows us by name, and understands our deepest longings.

B. Jesus tells him to "HURRY." In other words, "RUN DOWN" (v. 5). And he fulfilled this "RUN DOWN" (v. 6). He hurried. When God calls, our response should be one of prompt obedience.

C. God desires us to hurry in His service. We see examples of this throughout Scripture:

1. Like Abraham who hurried to prepare food for the visitors (Genesis 18:6-7). His hospitality was characterized by immediate and enthusiastic action.

2. Like Lot who hurried to leave Sodom and Gomorrah at God's command (Genesis 19:22). His swift obedience saved him and his family.

D. How quickly are we fulfilling God's commandments? Let us examine our responsiveness in areas such as:

1. Preaching the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20). Are we eager to share the good news with those who haven't heard?

2. Visiting the sick (James 1:27). Are we prompt in showing compassion and care to those who are suffering?

3. Visiting the discouraged (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Are we quick to offer words of encouragement and support to those who are downcast?

4. Meeting together on Sundays (Hebrews 10:24-25). Do we prioritize gathering with fellow believers for worship and fellowship?

E. He was in such haste that he did it with joy (Luke 19:6). He received the Lord with joy. True encounter with Jesus brings profound joy.

1. For when one receives the Lord, there is great joy. We see this exemplified in:

◦ The eunuch who went on his way rejoicing after Philip preached to him (Acts 8:39).

◦ The Philippian jailer who rejoiced with his whole household after believing in God (Acts 16:34).

2. The gospel itself is good news of great joy (Luke 2:10). The message of salvation brings hope and gladness.

3. The multitude received Jesus with great joy (Luke 8:40). His presence brought a sense of hope and anticipation.

4. The seventy-two disciples returned with joy after their successful mission (Luke 10:17). Serving the Lord brings its own unique joy.

5. The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:52). The presence of the Holy Spirit cultivates joy in the hearts of believers.

F. Christianity is about joy, no matter the situation. Even amidst trials and tribulations, the abiding presence of Christ brings a deep and lasting joy that transcends earthly circumstances.

III. HE WAS WILLING TO MAKE RESTITUTION FOR HIS FAULT. LUKE 19:8.

A. When the people began to murmur (v. 7), likely because Jesus was going to the house of a known sinner, responded with a powerful declaration: "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’” (v. 8).

B. He is showing that he is repentant. This is a clear sign of his change of heart. His willingness to make such significant restitution demonstrates a genuine remorse for his past actions and a commitment to making things right.

1. If we have offended by stealing and have repented, we will return what we stole. True repentance involves not just acknowledging our sin but also taking steps to rectify the harm we have caused, where possible. Commitment to repay fourfold went above and beyond the Jewish law, demonstrating the depth of his transformation.

CONCLUSION:

A. Zacchaeus is a character worthy of imitation in his actions. His story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. His initial desire to see Jesus, his prompt and joyful reception of the Lord, and his willingness to make restitution for his sins are three attitudes that pleased God and continue to serve as a beacon for us today.

May we be inspired by Zacchaeus' example to actively seek Jesus, to receive Him with eagerness and joy when He reveals Himself to us, and to demonstrate the sincerity of our repentance through tangible actions that reflect a changed heart. As we cultivate these attitudes, may our lives too be pleasing in the sight of our Lord.

Three attitudes that please God