The Beauty and Legitimacy of Salvation

“He entered Jericho and was passing through.  And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.  And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature.”  Luke 19:1-3

Zacchaeus’ heart wanted to know WHO Jesus (God) was.

“So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for  I must stay at your house today.’"  Luke 19:4-5

Jesus extended an invitation to Zacchaeus.  What is required of an invitation?  A receipt—it has to be received.

“So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.”  Luke 19:6

The beauty of this verse is great!  Zacchaeus HURRIED to Jesus, and he received Christ joyfully.

True salvation is proved by confirmation of life change.  The thief (Zaccahaeus-a tax collector-was known to take “extra” taxes for themselves) became a magnanimous giver.

“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.’’  Luke 19:8

And, Jesus even vouchsafed it in Luke 19:9:  “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.’”

kenny