Sermon: Seven Lessons from Zacchaeus’
Encounter with Jesus
Text: Luke 19:1–10
Introduction (5 minutes)
Begin with a reflection on life-changing encounters.
The greatest encounter anyone can have is with Jesus. Today, we look at Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax
collector whose meeting with Christ transformed his entire life.
Read Luke 19:1–10 aloud.
We will draw seven lessons from this story, and the last one will give us our assignment as
followers of Christ.
Lesson 1: Everybody needs Jesus—rich or poor (6 minutes)
Zacchaeus was rich yet needed Christ (Luke 19:2). The gospel is for all—wealth doesn’t save (Mark
8:36; Luke 16:19–31). Application: Never assume anyone is beyond or above needing Jesus.
Lesson 2: Obstacles can be overcome when the heart is willing (6 minutes)
Zacchaeus climbed a tree despite his status and stature (Luke 19:3–4). Example: Friends breaking
the roof for the paralytic (Mark 2:1–12). Application: Pride, fear, excuses—don’t let them stop you
from seeking Jesus.
Lesson 3: Jesus is more willing to save than we are to seek Him (5 minutes)
Jesus stopped, saw Zacchaeus, and called him by name (Luke 19:5). He still seeks the lost today
(John 6:37; 1 Tim 2:4). Illustration: The shepherd leaving the 99 (Luke 15:4–7).
Lesson 4: No sinner is too lost to be saved (5 minutes)
People grumbled at Jesus going to Zacchaeus’ house (Luke 19:7). But Jesus’ mission is to seek
and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Application: Don’t write anyone off—God’s grace can reach the
worst of sinners (1 Tim 1:15).
Lesson 5: Nobody is born saved (5 minutes)
Being a son of Abraham didn’t save Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9). John 3:3—'You must be born again.'
Application: Salvation is a personal choice, not inherited by family or culture.
Lesson 6: Genuine salvation produces a changed life (6 minutes)
Zacchaeus made restitution and gave to the poor (Luke 19:8). True salvation bears fruit (2 Cor
5:17). Example: Acts 19:18–19, new believers burned occult books. Application: Examine your own
life—do you see fruits of repentance?
Lesson 7: We must go with the gospel (6 minutes)
Zacchaeus only encountered Jesus because He was passing through Jericho (Luke 19:1). The
Great Commission: Mark 16:15—'Go into all the world and preach.' Application: There are still many
Zacchaeuses in our communities—hidden, curious, searching. They will only meet Jesus if we carry
Him to them.
Conclusion (3 minutes)
Recap the seven lessons, emphasizing the final charge: take the gospel out.
Challenge: “Have you truly met Jesus? And if you have, will others meet Him through you?”
Altar Call (5 minutes)
Invite the unsaved to respond like Zacchaeus—receive Jesus joyfully.
Lead a prayer of salvation.
