Kingdom Principle: How would you know if one were saved? Would you be able to see it in their life? What the bible teaches us is that the transformation that God brings in the gospel changes a man so that he joyfully and eagerly obeys the Word of the Savior. This ought to be clearly seen in the things that we want and do.
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______________________ to Jesus
Luke 19:1–2 (ESV) — 1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.
Now one of the things for which Jericho was famous was the balm derived from the balsam tree. Josephus (Antiquities XV.96) calls balsam “the most precious thing there is.” It was fragrant, soothing, and highly regarded for its healing qualities. The trade in this commodity—and in other commodities abounding in the Jericho region—yielded high taxes for the Roman government. Besides, Jericho was at the heart and center of a vast trade route network, as is clear from the map on p. 854. The city had trade connections with Damascus, Tyre, and Sidon to the north, Caesarea and Joppa to the west, and Egypt to the south, as well as with many other cities and countries in every direction. An important man, therefore, this Zacchaeus!
Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus, yes, but even before this, Jesus was seeking him.
John 6:37 (ESV) — 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
John 6:44 (ESV) — 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.
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______________________ to be Called
Luke 19:6 (ESV) —6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.
Ephesians 2:1-10
“…when God works in us, the will, being changed and sweetly breathed on by the Spirit of God, desires and acts, not from compulsion, but responsively, from pure willingness, inclination, and accord; so that it cannot be turned another way by any thing contrary, nor be compelled or overcome even by the gates of hell; but it still goes on to desire, crave after, and love that which is good; even as before, it desired, craved after, and loved that which was evil.” –Martin Luther
In this encounter with Zacchaeus we see the gospel on full display. Jesus commands Zacchaeus to hurry and come down, and he hurries and comes down joyfully.
The ruler asks the question because he is looking to do more in order to inherit eternal life because he thinks eternal life is gained by doing something more.
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___________________________ from his sin
Luke 19:8 (ESV) — 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”
Jesus does not even have to ask Zacchaeus to sell his possessions and give to the poor. (remember the rich young ruler) Something prompts him to offer this up all by himself. Or maybe I should say someone.
Psalm 110:3 (ESV) — 3 Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.
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___________________________ of Salvation
Luke 19:9 (ESV) — 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.
Question to Consider
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In what ways do you see the power of God in salvation clearly demonstrated in your life? How might you continue to joyfully obey Christ in your life?
