My notes from a
sermon on 3 April 2011
Luke 19 verses 1 –
10
A man who was driven by his curiosity – verse 3 “who he was”.
It was more than a passing interest. If you and I are ever to get a grip and
glimpse of the Lord we are going to need more than a passing interest. This
Bible tells me the only way I can find God is when I seek for him with all my
heart. That is why we have so many false professions today. They are not
getting through to God. “It is one thing to get people to the altar but it is
another thing to see them getting through to God” an old evangelist said. It is
one thing to be stirred by the claims of God but another thing to be saved by
the grace of God. It was more than a passing interest – see the great lengths
he had to fulfil his plans. He realised he would have to climb the tree. It was
more than just stepping outside his front door. He had to watch and wait for
the Lord to come. Herod had more than a passing interest in Christ. When Christ
was tried by Pilate and sent over to Herod he was so glad. Herod had heard so
much about Jesus and here was his opportunity to see some marvellous thing done
by this man. Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, the type of person he was.
I wonder is our curiosity stirred and awakened? Does it take us deeper into the
things of God? Nicodemus had the same curiosity. He went into the presence of
God by night. He called him “master”. He called him a great teacher. Jesus
awakened something in his heart. He had to come to Jesus. Here was a man who
prayed, didn’t miss the house of God, a deeply religious man. He had to find
out more about him, such was his curiosity. When was the last time as children
of God our hearts were stirred and it brought us to the word of God to study it
more deeply? Zacchaeus didn’t know this day would end with him making a public
spectacle of himself. Maybe the Holy Spirit is gripping your heart today. You
have never experienced him for yourself. Never seen what it means for him to
take on himself the sin of your heart. Somehow it has never given you a second
thought until now. There is now a curiosity drawing you to Christ. It was a
love for your soul, for you as a person that you would even be damned in a
Christless eternity. Here the Lord gave himself on the cross just for you. This
man Zacchaeus was a tax collector, maybe curiosity began to well up when
Matthew came to him, when Matthew told him he was giving up his job as a tax
collector and the reason was to follow Christ. From that day Zacchaeus was
never the same. Maybe that is happening in your life. Right now you cannot
reason with it and it is bringing you to Christ today. Think of that city of
Jericho – many were awakened to Christ, recognised who Jesus was but there was
only one person converted.
Zacchaeus was faced with a crisis. It was not going to be plain
sailing, not going to be easy for Zacchaeus. You don’t know what the Lord has
for you today, maybe he will put a finger on your life. Zacchaeus wanted to see
Jesus but he couldn’t – why – verse 3 “he could not because of the press”.
These people were a hindrance to Zacchaeus. Be wary of the crowd today. The
curiosity in the heart to see the Lord as to who he was, what he has done but
he was being hindered. The moment you and I began to consider spiritual issues
in our lives the devil will throw up all sorts of obstacles. This was going to
be the last time Zacchaeus would hear the voice of the Lord. Jesus was just
passing through Jericho. He was on his way to Jerusalem. He would never return
through this city. That is why a meeting like this is so serious and means so
much. Maybe in this meeting for the final time God is going to speak for the
last time. Should we live another 50 years and never hear the voice of God
again wouldn’t that be an awful thing? Out on the mountain one day the
disciples and crowds came to hear Jesus. Then there was a dilemma – as the day
wore on the crowd began to be tired and hungry. The disciples wanted Jesus to
send the crowd away. Isn’t that the easiest thing to do? It is very easy to
send Jesus away because of the crowd around us. The disciples were being
tested. Jesus knew what he was going to do. Is that what you are saying today –
Lord send it away?” Pilate making his decision about Jesus. He listened to all
the evidence against Jesus, couldn’t see what was against this man. His wife
tried to persuade him to send him away. What did Pilate do – he threw him to
the crowd to decide his fate. There were those who were supporters of the Lord
but the old religious leaders began to mingle through the crowd. They started
to chant “crucify him”. All the people took up the chant. Pilate’s decision was
made up because of the crowd. God’s salvation is real to you. God is speaking
to you about his salvation. Today you have come to a spiritual dilemma and you
are throwing it to the crowd. They are telling you to forget about it. Verse 4
Zacchaeus has to think about this great challenge. He ran down the street and
climbed up a sycamore tree. Verse 5 Jesus came to the tree and he said to him
“hurry up Zacchaeus come down I want you to stand in this crowd, I want to go
to your house today.”
There is a challenge to Zacchaeus. The challenge was now to
the will of Zacchaeus. Remember the woman with the issue of blood who touched
Jesus’ garment? Jesus knew she had touched him but she had to step out and
admit it. A man in the crowd. The Lord challenges him to step out. Maybe that
one person is you today. Not the person next to you but you. You are in the
tree like Zacchaeus. God wants you to come down because he has business with
you. God is challenging your will today. Nothing can hinder you if God is speaking
to you. The Pharisees heard Jesus, they followed him, they were challenged but
Jesus said of them “ye will not come.” They dug their heels in. Zacchaeus
hadn’t banked on this situation but there is a battle going on for your will
today.
Zacchaeus’ great confession – verse 8. He stepped out of the
tree. Here is salvation at work. We might be awakened but are we truly
concerted? Zacchaeus said “I have amassed a great wealth but I don’t need that
now I have found Christ.” Salvation touched his heart, life and soul and he was
changed from the inside out. He no longer had the same desires. He had found
everything in Christ. Zacchaeus told Jesus that he would sit down with his
books and go through them and if he found any wrong doing he would make amends.
It was a frank confession.
Zacchaeus got a great confirmation – verse 9. Jesus said “this
day is salvation come to this house.” If Zacchaeus had sat in the tree he would
never have known the blessing of God on his life but he came down from the
tree. God has blessings for you and me we know nothing of yet and he says
“come, you are the person in the crowd and I want you to step out today.”
Sermon notes from
Sunday 9 and 16 February 2014
Luke 19 verses 1 – 10
A wonderful day for Zacchaeus and for Jericho. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem yet he came through the city of Jericho. Jericho had been cursed by God in the Old Testament yet he would enter into this place for you and me. It was a wonderful place for Zacchaeus’ home. There is never a day like the day when Christ comes into our hearts and lives. Verse 5 “and when Jesus came to the place.” The place being of course the sycamore tree into which Zacchaeus ran and found shelter.
The place of elevation. Verse 3 tells us something of Zacchaeus. A little man of stature. It left him with a mighty problem naturally and physically speaking. This man could not see Christ. The moment he came out of his front door there was such a massive crowd on the streets of Jericho. This man had a problem physically speaking. He couldn’t see the Lord with his natural eye. He had to get into the place where he was elevated. He saw the Lord approaching, every feature of him as he passed by that way. Naturally speaking we cannot see the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? Because the god of this world has blinded our minds that we might not see the Lord with our natural eye. (John 12 verse 40) We have to get into the place of elevation to see the Lord himself. There is only one that can do that – the Holy Spirit himself. This man could have stood in the crowd and missed the Lord. This was the time of the Jewish Passover. Naturally there were a large number of people in the city, a mighty crowd of people. This is what attracted them to Jericho. News of the man, the Messiah and the things he was doing. He might have attracted a large crowd. They wanted to see this man and to see what he would do. When Herod sent for Christ he wanted to see a miracle done by his hands. Jesus actually never spoke to Herod because Herod had silenced the voice of John the Baptist who spoke of Jesus Christ. You know we can silence the voice of Jesus for one last time. Zacchaeus was hindered from getting a glimpse of the Saviour. He needed an elevated place, a place where he could see the Lord. It is important we gather in a place where the word of God is opened and the name of the Lord is exalted. This man felt his responsibility. It was not on a man nor on a place. He knew the only way to see Jesus was down to him. Remember John the Baptist one day when the crowd was all around he said “behold the lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” He pointed to the Saviour as the only one who could save. He is the only one that matters. He came into the world to seek and to save that which was lost, to die on the old rugged cross that you might be saved. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men; who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” Romans 1 verse 18. People in that day were oppressing the truth, hindering the truth. Paul went on to say “For Christ sent me not to baptise but to preach the gospel not with wisdom of words lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” (1 Corinthians 1 verse 17) I don’t want to use any language to make the cross of no effect “and my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2 verses 4 and 5) Am I elevating myself or Christ? Paul asked himself. That is why you and I need to be so careful as to our conversation and conduct not only in every day life but in the very place where we gather together. We need people to leave the house of God with that fragrance of the Lord on them not with some witty phrases from the preacher.
The place of revelation. In this tree Jesus revealed the plan and purpose for him. I’m sure Zacchaeus was amazed. He was a tax collector, the chief of them, hated by all men. Here was the Lord making conversation with him. Maybe never thought the Lord might speak to his heart and soul. Heard about Jesus and made effort to get into a place of elevation. He heard his name being called from the lips of Christ. That was the plan and purpose revealed to him. “Make haste and come down.” God would take pleasure today just to speak to you by name. He knows everything about you today. As we sit in this house today Jesus might very well utter your name, might ask you to step out. Only as sit under the word of God that revelation takes place. A place of revelation and elevation. “Search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5 verse 39) Jesus told his disciples. The word of God is like a mirror and in it we see something of the situation we are in. We are sinners. May feel we are good people, very religious people but the word of God says I have been born into this world as a sinner and need someone to take away my sin. That someone is Jesus and he is speaking to your heart today. In chapter 2 of Acts when Peter stands to preach the word of God what happened – the Holy Spirit came and they were pricked in their hearts. That was a revelation of what they were. The crowd asked “men and brethren what should we do?” Peter told them “repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.”
The place of consideration. Verses 5 and 6 Zacchaeus begins to think of his options. He was told “come down.” That is your consideration, an option. You have got an option in this house because God invites you to be saved. Maybe as a child of God he invites you. God wants to deal with you. Zacchaeus maybe felt “I could sit here comfortably where I am but if I were to come down I would have to make it public.” A stand for Christ. People would see his reaction, make a stand before the people. What will I say to my friends? This was a place of consideration. As we come into the house of God, as he is elevated and revealed to you there is a great consideration of what to do. Will I take him into my heart, allow him to take away my sins, can I trust him to consider all of my wrongs? In verse 8 the past comes before him. Maybe as he thinks on this he remembers people he has offended, things that will have to be made right, goods returned, apologies to be said. All these things are going through his mind as Jesus spoke to him. What are you considering today? There is a battle going on in your heart. If I was to take my stand today what would I tell my friends? How am I going to stand in the work place? Maybe as Zacchaeus thought of his tax collecting he had added a percentage here and there. He was a rich man, maybe he was short changing the government. Maybe fiddling them for his own good. All of this was going through his mind. There are considerations going through his mind. Maybe he begins to consider eternity. Have you ever really thought of eternity? If you die not saved you will go into a lost eternity. It is nothing to joke about. What about that place called hell? Revelation 21 verses 7 and 8. Heaven is a real place but there is a lost sinners hell too.
The place of salvation. He answered Christ’s call “make haste and come down.” He came down as quickly as he could. He received the Lord Jesus Christ joyfully. Will you receive him today? What Zacchaeus didn’t realise at that point was that Jesus would never pass through Jericho again. Wouldn’t it be awful to know you need to be saved and to say no and then to realise that is the last time you would hear the voice of God? This is the day of God’s salvation not tomorrow.
The place of separation. Zacchaeus came down
and went with Christ. Are you still trying to keep the candle burning at
both ends?
Luke 19 verses 1 –
10
Jesus is on his way to the cross and he passed for a moment or 2 in Jericho. In John 4 we find he made his way through Samaria when he stopped at a well. There a woman comes out to draw water. As he speaks to her she becomes a child of God and goes out to tell others of who Jesus is and what he has done. When Jesus comes to Jericho he meets with blindness. The man Bartimaeus cries out and when Jesus passes by he gives him back his sight. Now he is dealing with spiritual blindness. As he comes to this sycamore tree he sees Zacchaeus. He didn’t need to know his name. He stopped just where he was and gave him an invitation to come down. It was up to him what to do. His responsibility was to respond. It is similar to us today. He knows all about us. He stops with you today and invites you to come to him. Will you respond? What does this experience mean to Zacchaeus? What will happen after this? Will he accept salvation and begin a new work with God? It was his responsibility to keep his eye on the Lord, to continue his relationship with God. Verse 5 “and when Jesus came to the place.” That was the verse we looked at last week. The place was the tree where Zacchaeus was. We found it to be a place of elevation. Here he met the Lord. It is important to be in a place to see Christ. It was also a place of revelation. When he spoke to Zacchaeus and showed him the plan he had for his life Zacchaeus knew nothing about it. There was also a place of consideration. He thought of his past, his options and his eternity. Where would he be when he died? Where would you be when you die? It was a place of salvation because Jesus said “today has salvation come to this house.” Is that your experience? It was also a day of separation because he was separated unto the Lord that day.
Verse 9 “and Jesus said unto him this day is salvation come to this house forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” This is a day that is initially marked in a child of God’s life.
A change of course for success. The emphasis today is on simply believing. That is all we need to do. Believe on the Lord and trust him for what he did on the cross of Calvary. The scriptures tell us about repentance. Before we come to the place of trust we need to come to the place of repentance first. To turn from sin, from our wicked ways then trust the Lord as Saviour. It is then we begin a walk with him. We are in an age when all you have to do is believe and then you go out and live whatever way you want to live. Man’s responsibility has to come into it. “I beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” (Ephesians 4 verse 1) Salvation changes your nature, heart, thoughts, minds, actions right from the inside out. The old pig doesn’t go back to wallow in the mire. The dog doesn’t go back to his vomit again. The drunk does not go back to the pub again. It is a complete change of direction. We were born in sin and shapen in iniquity but Jesus died on the cross that he might do something special for us - to save our soul. He died to change our natures, change of lifestyle, a change in the way we begin to think and act. After this meeting Zacchaeus began to think so differently. Remember when the fisherman were mending their nets at the sea shore and Jesus said to them “follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus told them they were now changed by the Lord himself. There should be a change in our lives today. Zacchaeus knew a change of course. Here was a man employed by the Roman government to lift taxes. It gave him the opportunity to make money for himself. He was rich. He was able to keep the government happy and lining his own pockets at the same time. Something happened on this occasion - verse 8. He began to think of others. When salvation entered into his heart he began to think less of himself and more of others. Remember Matthew who sat at the tax collectors booth. Jesus passed by one day and told him “follow me.” We read about the multitudes lining the streets of Jericho yet the Lord spoke to one man.
A change in his company. This man may have joined the crowd to see Jesus but couldn’t do that because of the multitudes of people. He got himself into a place where he could see the Lord. Maybe he came out with the crowd but he didn’t go home with the crowd. In verse 7 the crowd ridiculed him. He stepped down from the tree. Think of that place called Calvary. See the Lord God’s son hanging there for you and me. He is there to fulfil God’s great redeeming love for the lost. Think for a moment of the thief on the cross. Just before he closed his eyes in death he poked fun at Christ. Those religious leaders and Pharisees and scribes gathered around that scene ridiculing him. “He saved others yet he cannot save himself.” “If he be the king of Israel let him come down from the cross and then we will believe.” Matthew 27 verse 44 “The thieves also which were crucified with him cast the same in his teeth.” The 2 thieves were still mocking him even at that point of death. All of a sudden something happened. One of the thieves stops and said “we are here because we have done wrong but he has done nothing wrong.” Remember on the day of Pentecost when the believers came into a special relationship with each other. “And all that believed were together and had all things common.” (Acts 2 verse 44) Remember in Revelation and John’s vision “these are they that have come out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them clean in the blood of the lamb.”
A change of communion. In this man’s heart
there was an idol of money. No communion with God. When salvation
entered in, he put Christ first in his life. Is he first in your
life? “If I have taken anything from any man by false accusation I
restore it fourfold.” He was ready to do business with God. “They
turned from their idols to serve the living God.” (Ephesians 1 verse 9)
Maybe it is time to come out of that sycamore tree, to come down to where God
is, to begin your work with God. Will you turn from your sins and trust
the Lord to save your soul?
Sermon notes from
2 April 2017
Luke 18 verses 35
- 37, 19 verses 1 - 7
We have read of Jesus entering into the city of Jericho. Passing through the city he met with 2 individuals - Bartimaeus a blind poor man and Zacchaeus a rich man and a sinner. Jesus entered into this mission 2 weeks ago to give men and women an opportunity. He is still passing by. The poorest man of Jericho got saved and so did the richest man. Everyone in between has the same opportunity. We have a God of mercy and love, not willing that any should perish but that all shall come to salvation. Everyone who came to Jericho had the same opportunity to call and seek the Lord. Isaiah 55 verse 6 "seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon the Lord while he is near." In chapter 18 we see one seeking for the Lord and one calling for the Lord in chapter 19.
The rich man in Luke 19 Zacchaeus - some commentators say he
was so crooked he could hide behind a corkscrew. He must have been an
upright man because how could he pay back 4 times what he owed. Whatever
you think of him he was a sinner - verse 7. That is why the Lord left the
splendours of heaven. He came down into this world to save sinners.
I want us to think of this man, something said of this man that is not
said of any other man in scripture - this man wanted to see Jesus. What a
desire. I wonder are you here tonight because you really want to see
Jesus? He is a tax man. The first thing that could come into your
head is he wanted money. In Matthew 17 verse 27 the Lord said to Peter
"go down to the seashore and cast in a line, when you catch a fish in its
mouth will be a coin. I want you to pay my dues and your own."
Jesus paid his taxes. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which
be Caesar`s and unto God the things which be God`s." (Luke 20 verse 25)
There are people buying lottery tickets to get a bit of cash. The
Lord never left the splendours to make us rich. Maybe wasn`t cash at all
but curiosity. Remember the other tax collector Matthew who sat at the
seat of custom. The Lord walks past and says `Follow me`. He closed
the book up and followed Jesus. Why could such a man give up such a
lucrative job to follow Jesus? What kind of man was he? Maybe he
had heard about the wonderful miracles Jesus performed, the people raised to
health and strength even perhaps Bartimaeus being healed of his blindness.
People today do not understand why people give up lucrative jobs to go
out and serve the Lord in a foreign land, suffer persecution, all kinds of
torture, maybe possibility of being thrown into prison. Does that not fill
your heart with curiosity? He wanted to see Jesus. Maybe there was
concern in this mans heart. He had a lucrative job, could see this
multitude of people following after Christ. He was the Son of David.
Bartimaeus called this name out. This multitude now are talking
about rebellion against the Romans. I will lose my job, not be able to
earn the same money I have. There are many concerns today with the
political situation in our land. People are concerned and maybe rightly
so. This man could have been concerned. What brought this man to
Christ? He was convicted about his soul. Where would it be in
eternity? You would think for such conviction it would be made easy for
them to find Christ. Certainly not for this man. He couldn`t get
through because of the press and he was little of stature. The hindrances
- the old devil comes at that particular moment when someone has a desire to
meet with Christ. Sometimes in this mans case it was the crowd, the
multitude of people. He couldn`t see through them. Maybe you can`t
get beyond the crowd. Sometimes the crowd can be our friends that would
hinder us from coming to Christ. If I got saved my friends wouldn`t speak
to me again. The friends you lose are nothing to the friend you will
gain. He will never forsake you, never let you down in any circumstance.
This man got beyond the crowd. It could be friends or family or
foes. People can be a hindrance. Pilate as he tries Jesus knows in
his heart of hearts he wants to let Christ go. The crowd says you cannot
be a friend of Christ and be a friend of Caesar. He chose the wrong one,
chose the relationship with Caesar rather than with the God of heaven. It
might even be family that keeps you from Christ. It was his
circumstances. He was a small man and he couldn`t change that. He
said "if i could get above the circumstances." He is now
taller, way beyond the crowd. If you want to go on as a Christian you
will still need to stay above and beyond the crowd, to be close to the God or
heaven. Don`t get involved with them. Not only says this man wanted
to see the Lord. He waited to see the Lord. Don`t know how long
this man waited. He came into Jericho to see Christ. He wasn`t
going home without him. Suddenly he could see the multitude of people
coming down the street. Then he gets his eyes fixed on Christ. Even
at the end of the meeting or this mission would you be willing to wait, to go
through for Christ? Sometimes waiting can be dangerous, putting it off.
Man somehow put off what God is saying to them. In the Old
Testament you will read the story of Moses going down into Egypt to bring the
children of Israel out. He comes to Pharaoh and tells him God had sent
him and he wanted him to let his people go. Pharaoh says "who is the
Lord that I should listen to him." Pharaoh refused to let the people
go. Different plagues then came on Egypt. Pharaoh sent for Moses
"would you pray that God would take this away." Moses prayed
and God took the plague away then Pharaoh hardened his heart, wouldn`t let the
people go. God sent even more plagues and each time Pharaoh asked Moses
to take the plagues away. Seven times he hardened his heart and when it
came to the eighth and ninth plagues God hardened his heart. God gave him
his last opportunity of mercy. "He that being often reproved
hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy."
(Proverbs 29 verse 1) In Daniel 5 Belshazzar threw a party with over 1000
guests. They were drinking and Belshazzar commanded the vessels from the
temple be brought to drink out of. Suddenly a hand appeared writing on
the wall. His very knees were knocking and rightly so because God was
speaking and challenging him. Daniel was sent to interpret and he told
him "thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting. The kingdom will
be taken from you." The last meal he has enjoyed. In Luke 12
there is a rich fool, a farmer. Can see him standing out in the front
garden watching the harvest of wheat. He thinks to himself "God has
been good to me, I need to build bigger barns." He made great plans
for the future. Thinking of the pleasures of life. He was thinking
of the prosperity. Nothing wrong with any of that. This man forgot
about God. God said of him "thou fool this night thy soul shall be
required of thee." (Luke 12 verse 20) That man received his last
message. What would happen if God said that to you tonight?
Everything you have will always be left behind. Nothing will be
taken with us. Pharaoh`s last offer of mercy. Belshazzar`s last
meal. The rich farmer`s last message. Judas betrayed the Lord
Jesus. He was enjoying the last supper with Jesus and the disciples,
listening to the final message Jesus would give to them. How he would go
to the cross, lay down his life, rise again. He is attending his last
meal. You would think tonight that if the preacher was none other than
the Lord somehow people would listen. That man Judas, when Jesus took the
sup out of the dish and handed it to him it was his last offer of mercy. The
one he gave the sup to is the one who will betray me. He could have
changed his mind. This man we are thinking of tonight waited for the
right reason, waited because Jesus was passing that way. He wasn`t going
home without Christ. It didn`t matter who saw him, who laughed at him,
didn`t matter, all he wanted to see Christ. He is welcomed by the Lord.
When Jesus came to the place he looked up and saw him and said unto him
"Zacchaeus make haste and come down for today I must abide at thy house."
A Saviour that still welcomes us today. He invites you to come.
In speaking to this man he knows his name. He knows your name
tonight. He doesn`t mix you up with anyone else. He knows your
nature, whether you are a shy person or up front. He knows your need
tonight, he knows the very number of hairs on your head. The Lord knows
everything about us and he loves us just the same. He says
"come". we have always got to come to the place called Calvary.
There is always an urgency. He told Zacchaeus "make
haste". Surely he would have had 5 minutes to climb down the tree.
When it comes to salvation there is always an urgency because we are not
guaranteed the next moment. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow."
(Proverbs 27 verse 1) We are here one moment and gone out to eternity the
next moment. That is why the Lord says "make haste and come
down." Tomorrow could be too late. You are not guaranteed a
tomorrow. Tomorrow might never come your way. There is the urgency
but also the simplicity - "come". In simple repentance and
faith. Confessing his flaws and failures in life. Things he has
done wrong he is sorry about them, willing to turn his back on them and make
them right. Repentance is not just being sorry for sin but being sorry
enough to leave them behind. "No man can come to me except the
Father which hath sent me draw him" (John 6 verse 44) "for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11 verse 6) That is faith. This
man believed that this man was God manifested in the flesh. There are 700
invitations in the bible. Genesis 7 "come now and all thy people
into the ark." In Revelation 22 verse 22 there are 3 invitations
just before God closes time and scripture - "the spirit and the bride says
come", "let him that is thirsty come", "come for all things
are now ready." "Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy
laden", "Come now and let us reason together." You don`t
have to change anything. If you come to Christ he will do the saving.
He was welcomed by the Lord. There was an urgency, a simplicity but
also a humility. "He made haste". He didn`t take time to
come down. He jumped down, scrambled down but he made haste and he came
down to the feet of Christ. He falls down at the feet in humility.
He was acknowledging something of the holiness of Christ. It says
in verse 7 "he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner."
He went home with the Saviour. He came to Jericho without the Lord
that morning and he went home with the Lord that night. Psalm 23
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear
no evil for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
If we have Christ with us he will take away the fear of death. He
will take us through and safely home. Would you recognise his voice
tonight? "Today if you hear his voice harden not your heart."
(Hebrews 3 verse 15) God wants you to be saved. He is pleading with
someone here tonight. "Make haste and come down" God is saying.
Do you have that same determination Zacchaeus had? Would you come
and trust Christ?
Sermon notes from
Sunday 9 September 2018 pm
Luke 19 verses 57 - 63
I suppose it is safe to say we live in an age of great
apostasy. Whenever we see many filtering away from the faith in God as
Saviour and Lord. The Lord in these verses is pointing out a great truth,
following after him. We need to get back to looking at the
foundations. When a house begins to crack you would begin to look at the
foundations. So many are turning away from the Lord, they haven`t got a
foundation in the first place. Today it is easy believism, a mere raising
of the hand in a meeting and you are saved. Maybe signing a commital form
and you are saved. There is no mention of the cross, no mention of sin or
being sorry for sin, no mention of turning from sin. None of these
phrases are mentioned. We meet in this passage 3 men who came to the Lord
with a desire in their hearts. The Holy Spirit turns the searchlight on
them, we see their conversation and desires. They want to follow after
the Lord for whatever measure we don`t know. Maybe they wanted to catch
the limelight, to be seen as followers of the Lord. Whatever reason they
came with the Lord makes it clear what it would cost them to follow the
Lord. The Lord makes it clear what it would cost them to follow
him. It is good to count the cost of following after the
Lord.
Verse 57 "Lord I will follow thee withersoever thou goest." Peter himself said "even it means death I will not deny you." He didn`t realise what he was saying. This man wanted to follow the Lord wherever he was going. In verse 58 Jesus asked him "do you want to follow after someone who hasn`t even a roof over his head." The Lord was saying to follow the Lord on these terms would be sacrificial. Zacchaeus wanted to see the Lord when he came into the city. He couldn`t see him because of the crowd so he climbed up a sycamore tree. The Lord stopped at that tree and told him to come down. He later said he was prepared to give everything up just to follow Christ. To follow Christ it means sacrifice, turning away. This man comes to the Lord and didn`t realise what the Lord meant. Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, he would never return this way again. In Jerusalem he would be rejected by men, he would be beaten, abused, placed on an old cross outside the city walls. There he would die an awful death. He said "would you follow me to that?" Is that what you are going to do? It will take sacrifice to do that. Perhaps this man had the best intentions but he hadn`t really fully counted the cost. It is sad to see how many are caught up in the emotion of a meeting, they are determined to do something but there was nothing there. Confronted with the reality this man seems to have disappeared into the shadows. Didn`t he say that about the parable of the sower. The seed that would fall in the hard ground, it had a certain amount of growth to it. The sun comes up and the winds come and it is withered away. People hear the word of God to receive it but when the reality sinks in it is a different story. There is no foundation to their commitment. Jesus spoke of the sacrifice it would mean. Matthew 16 verse 24 "if any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross." Abraham when he was called was living in Ur of the Chaldees. God told him he wanted him to leave his home behind, leave his family behind, leave his nation behind. Can you imagine what it was to say farewell to all he had to follow the Lord? When the rich young ruler was called upon to follow he looked at his wealth, his riches, his position in society, his popularity. The Lord said all of it had to go. Moses was a young man when he came to make a decision. He had everything he could ever want, his education was second to none. He was brought up in Pharaoh`s household with all its wealth. Yet there came a day when he realised this was not the life for him. He had to take a stand with the people of God, those who were beaten and tormented. He had to forsake all he had. He was mighty in word and deed yet he had to give it up for the sake of the Lord. Is there something in your life that you are not prepared to give up to be saved?
There is a walk of sincerity. Verses 59 and 60 a man heard the voice of the Lord saying "follow me". He wanted to put off the decision. "I have a father will you wait until I bury him." We are not told that the man was even dead yet. He just wanted to put off the decision to follow. When the Lord came to Matthew he was sitting at the seat of custom or taxes. The Lord said to him "follow me" and he arose immediately and followed Christ. This man wanted to wait for a few days. He had the desire to follow but he wanted to do it in his time. We cannot pick and choose the day or hour of our salvation. He just wanted to put it off. In these days it was the responsibility of the young man to take care of his family`s needs. He didn`t want to make a decision at that particular time. It was his duty to make sure his parents were cared for, to bury them if necessary but we are not told here that the father was even dead yet. This young man thought he could wait for a while. The time to come to Christ is when you hear the Lord telling you to come. The Holy Spirit works in your heart to show you Christ dying for your sins on Calvary. There he shows you your great sin, then he says come. That is the time to come. Martin Lloyd Jones met a man one morning who said to him "Sir if you had made an appeal last night I would have responded." Martin Lloyd Jones looked at him and said "well why don`t you come now?" The man said "O no I don`t feel like it now." Martin Lloyd Jones said "I feel it wan`t God that was speaking to you last night because if it had of been you would have been at my door this morning first thing." It is not coming when you are emotionally ready but when the Lord speaks to our hearts.
It is a work of separation. Verses 61 and 62 this man wanted to go home and say farewell to his family. The Lord had something of this man`s soul in mind. If he went back home maybe someone would put him off following Christ. This young man had set his hand to the plough but he was about to take it off. The fishermen in Matthew 4 as Jesus was passing were told to follow him and he would make them fishers of men. Right away they followed him. There was no mention of going back to their homes to say farewell. They followed Christ immediately. Maybe the Lord is saying to you "will you follow me, will you allow me entrance in your heart?" "If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in." There is a work of separation. We have to be separated. The woman caught in adultery was told "go and sin no more" In other words "don`t be in the places of sin any longer." The woman at the well left her water pot and went to Samaria. Why? Because the water pot would take her back into the home where there was immorality. She wanted to be separate. This man wanted to say farewell to his family. Sometimes that is what happens. A person comes under the convicting hand of God, he hears the word of God and is challenged, then he goes out the next day and confers with someone else.
It is a work of steadfastness. Verse 62
contains a stern warning. "No man having put his hand to the plough and
looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." The Lord gives the same
warning to us as he did to this man. When the farmer got his hand on the
plough and his eyes on the marker at the top of the field he wouldn`t let go
until he reached that point. The Lord likes that to us today. Maybe
God is speaking to you, something he requests of you. The Lord says if
you take your hand off the plough you are not fit for the kingdom of
heaven. How is it with you today? What`s holding you back from
getting saved? Is it the sacrifice, giving up of sin? Is it
something that holds you back? Is it the sacrifice that is called
for? Is it the sincerity, are you ready to go on with the Lord? Is
it the separation? What about the steadfastness, going on and going
through with God? Whatever the cost the man that hears the word of God,
goes out and does it is like a man who build his house on a sure
foundation. When the winds and rain come the house will stand because it
has good foundations. The man who hears God`s word and forgets about it
is like a man building his house on the sand. When the wind and rains
come it falls down. Paul said there is no other foundation that a man can
lay. There is the foundation of good works but they will crumble.
There is the foundation of religiousity, self righteousness but these will
crumble. There is a foundation that is laid that no-one else can lay
today. When we lay our all on him we will be saved and saved for all
eternity. Are you on that foundation, a sure foundation?
NOTES FROM MISSION – MONDAY 22 AUGUST 2022 – REV J LYONS
LUKE 19 VERSES 1 – 10
Look at this man, the meeting he had with the Lord and the message Jesus spoke on this occasion.
The man – Zacchaeus was a clean, pure, righteous, innocent man. Verses 1 to 4. His parents wanted him to lead this kind of life – right before God, pure and clean. He was a tax collector. In Jesus’ earthly ministry there are 2 tax collectors mentioned in scripture – Matthew and Zacchaeus. Matthew had a meal in his house for Jesus and many tax collectors attended. Zacchaeus - you will notice that Zacchaeus was “chief” of the tax collectors, and he was also “rich”. To set up a Roman depot you had to buy the franchise from Rome. They set the levy on fixed rates, and they could add an additional tax. In this way the tax collector became rich. They were despised by the people, barred from the synagogue, treated as the lowest of the low in society. Zacchaeus was chief boss in Jericho. He wanted to see Jesus, who he was but he couldn’t because of the crowd of people, and he was short of stature. There was something going on in his life. He had heard many things, probably even heard about Matthew who had left his job and was now following Christ. Maybe you are not like this man. You are upright, honest but something has happened in your life recently. You have seen a change in other people. Maybe you have seen that evidence of Jesus transforming a life. Why were there so many people in the street that day? These were Jewish pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Another factor in the crowd being so large was the fact that Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus was on his way to Zacchaeus’ house the people murmured that he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. You can almost hear the disdain in their voice. They set him down, but they thought they were more righteous than he was. Jesus did not come to call the righteous people to himself. People who are sinners acknowledge their sin and will receive peace with God, a sure and certain assurance of a home in heaven. Jesus was accepting tax collectors and prostitutes into his kingdom. Zacchaeus would have wanted to protect himself by separating himself from assault and physical harm. He runs ahead of the crowd and climbs into the tree. A sycamore tree was easy to get up into and he could see the procession as well as Jesus. He was financially well off; his future was secure. The story is not primarily about him, it is more about the message of Jesus. “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Someone who is desperate, lost, rejected by society, lost in the caste system within Israel but he is so loved by God. Maybe you can see yourself in this man. You know you are spiritually lost; something is working in your heart, but you don’t know what it is. There is a voice going around in your conscience which cannot be stopped. Zacchaeus was curious as to who Jesus was. Maybe you are curious too?
The meeting. It was totally unexpected – Zacchaeus had climbed the tree outside the city out of curiosity. Now he could see Jesus. Jesus had lots of people all around him at this point. The story gives us the impression that Zacchaeus was seeking the Lord, but the truth is it was Jesus who came to seek and to save the lost. Maybe you are unaware of what is going on in your life. Jesus came to where Zacchaeus was, and he called him by his name. Jesus is still seeking for people today. He knows your name and everything about you and your life. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day didn’t understand the heart of God – why – because they didn’t know God. Their religious system was based on their heritage. They believed they were accepted before God because of that. The only merit we have today is based on what Jesus came to do on Calvary, when we trust in what he came to do, to make a way that we can have assurance of sins forgiven and a home in heaven with him one day. After Jesus spoke to Zacchaeus “he came down and received him joyfully”. If didn’t believe it before now, this person is different than the religious leaders. They treated him with condemnation. Jesus however accepts him just for who he is. This meeting made a profound difference in his life. Although he was seen as a rogue and an outcast the language of this verse speaks volumes. He responds with kindness and restitution – verse 8. It is fair to assume what he is saying is in response to the conversation he has with Jesus. In verse 2 we read that he was rich, but those same riches are paling into insignificance in the presence of the riches of Jesus Christ. He was about to give half back to the poor. He is seeking to put things right. That is what happens when Jesus comes into our lives. The evidence is seen through what he did. If he has taken more than he should have he will restore it fourfold. He didn’t just dream this idea up – it was based on Jewish law that a fifth should be given back. He was going far beyond the law’s requirements. He confessed he was a thief but was now turning from that life. The people know him as dishonest, deceitful but now something has changed. Have you ever had a meeting with Jesus Christ that absolutely changed you from the person you were to the person you are now? 2 Corinthians 5 verse 17 “Therefore if any person is in the Lord, he is a new creation.” You need a meeting with Jesus, to be transformed, to have the assurance of a home in heaven.
The message – verses 9 and 10. “Today
salvation has come to this house”. Salvation came in 2
ways. Jesus came into his house; deliverance came to him and changed
him. Simeon in the temple said, “mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” He
was transformed from his previous life. God wants to give you new
life. Zacchaeus was also referred to as the Son of
Abraham. People were astonished – it was an outward
change. Through faith alone. If you are to know
forgiveness with God, peace in your heart, assurance you will go to be with the
Lord in heaven you must accept him for what he has done. In verse 10
we read the supreme purpose of Christ coming into the world – it was to give
his life for the world. He revealed to the people what God was like.
The compassion of God. The power of God. That is
miraculous. His supreme purpose was to go to the cross, to die in
our place, to make it possible to be accepted by God. People are
climbing their own sycamore trees and viewing Jesus with
curiosity. They have done so for years but they have never come down
from the tree – will you?
SERMON NOTES FROM
SUNDAY 30 APRIL 2023 pm
LUKE 19 VERSES 1 –
10
THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITY
A very familiar story but don’t allow that to distract from its real message. Last week we were thinking of the greatest privilege man could ever have – hearing the word of God. It is the word that brings salvation through faith in the Lord. The greatest opportunity – “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation.” There is no plan B. God has the remedy for sin. There is one door to bring us into heaven. There is one mediator, Christ Jesus. There on the cross he suffered and died that we might be saved. He grants the opportunity ever afforded. This man was wealthy, successful, a tax collector. He received the greatest opportunity the day he came face to face with Christ, the day he stood in the presence of Christ himself. He heard the voice of God speaking directly to him. It is the greatest opportunity. The crowd all came out to see Jesus as he passed through Jericho. Zacchaeus was the only one who took the opportunity to be saved that day. Paul when he came to Thessalonica went into the synagogue for 3 Sabbath days. He preached Christ. He showed that God sent a mediator, his Son to be the only remedy for sin. Paul preached about Christ crucified and resurrected. What an opportunity was given to Thessalonica on those 3 Sabbath days, an opportunity to be saved. In Luke 13 the Lord is asked a question “are there few that be saved?” The Lord responded “strive to enter in at the straight gate.” Salvation is a tremendous thing but we need to strive to enter in. The question tonight is “can I be saved?”, “will I be saved?”, “will I be in heaven?” What an opportunity.
The first thing this was a faithful opportunity. When you think of the Lord, the Son of God, the perfect Son of God who never sinned, he left heavens glory. What has salvation cost the Lord? His only Son, heavens very best, Jesus’ blood on Calvary. He was doing his father’s will. He was coming into the world to die on Calvary that man might be saved. In John 17 Jesus said “I have finished the work that thou hast given me to do.” That was the salvation plan for this old world – to die and be crucified. Sin entered into the world from Adam’s day forward. God’s remedy for sin was in sending his son to die on Calvary for you and me. On that day in Jericho there was no doubt on Jesus’ mind. He knew where he was heading. He realised what was before him – the cross, the suffering, the death. He realised what was going to take place. How the religious leaders would turn their backs on him, how the disciples would flee from him. He realised he would be taken into Pilate’s Judgment Hall, would be beaten, scourged, rejected then taken out to be hung on the cross and crucified. He realised all that was before him yet he had time to stop with this man who had climbed into a sycamore tree. He had time to stop. Just think, the Lord would have time with a man for whom the people in his own town never gave him the time of day. Jesus has time for him. Remember the day when Jesus made his way through the village and mothers and fathers brought their children out for his blessing. The disciples got in front of the people and said the Lord had no time for them. Jesus stopped and rebuked them. He said “suffer the little children to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” God has time for you tonight, to stop and tarry with you. In John 4 the Lord needed to go through Samaria. He had a meeting with a woman, a sinful, immoral woman. He had time to stop with her that day. God has time for you tonight. No-one else has time to stop with you, to deal with your sin, to save your soul.
The focus of this opportunity. There was nothing in Zacchaeus himself. If you are to be saved it has nothing to do with us. It is to do with Christ. He was the focus of Zacchaeus’ salvation on this day. The opportunity to have his sins forgiven, to have his past dealt with. That is what he grasped. He wanted to know the Lord as Saviour. He knew the path Christ would take. There was nothing in him to merit God’s salvation, not even the desire, the keenness to see Christ. If Zacchaeus is to be saved he has to be saved as a poor lost sinner. Remember the 4 friends who brought the man to the Lord. He couldn’t walk to Jesus. He was simply a sinner. The house was crowded so they lowered him down through the roof. The Lord said “thy sins be forgiven thee”. Those words brought hardness in the house that day. He turned and said “which is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven or take up thy bed and walk but that ye may know that the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins, he turned to the man and said take up thy bed and walk.”
It was a fleeting opportunity. Jesus entered and passed through Jericho on his way to the cross. He never would travel that way again. Had to ask for salvation there and then. Are you prepared to grasp God’s salvation tonight? Zacchaeus heart was convicted of his sins. He knew he needed to find out more. Maybe you have a desire to hear the Lord. He takes all the things of the past and makes a complete change. The opportunity for God’s salvation comes at 2 points in our lives, from the day we are born and the day of our death. You will never have the opportunity when you have died. There is no grace beyond the grave. Maybe it is a fleeting opportunity just for you. It comes to the young and old, rich and poor. God wants to save you. The people of Athens let it slip. They wanted to hear Paul again. We never hear of them hearing Paul again. Agrippa heard Paul one day and said “when I have a more convenient season I will call for you.” The opportunity slipped away for him.
It was a fruitful opportunity. Jesus
came to the tree and he stopped where Zacchaeus was. He came to
Jericho, he had to stop at the very tree where Zacchaeus was. Maybe
not many of the people knew he was there but it was God who knew his hiding
place. Maybe you are sincere tonight. You long to be
saved, to know that if anything were to happen you would be in God’s
eternity. God knows where we are tonight. He said to
Zacchaeus “make haste and come down.” Zacchaeus came down to
Jesus. Jesus told him “I must go to your home, I must abide with
you.” He took Zacchaeus by the arm and they walked down the street
together. It didn’t go well with the people of
Jericho. They looked and said “he is going to the house of a man who
is a sinner” but they didn’t realise “Jesus came to seek and to save that which
was lost.” A great opportunity for you. Why not come to
Christ, trust him as your Saviour. Make him yours
tonight. You will be saved for time and eternity.
No comments:
Post a Comment