LWC SERMON GUIDE
To Seek and To Save

Scriptures to read and ponder

  • Luke 19:1–10 (Primary Text)

  • Luke 19:5–6 (Jesus calls and Zacchaeus responds)

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17 (New creation reality)

Sermon Recap

1. The Reality of Hidden Lives

  • We are a highly visible generation, yet deeply hidden internally.

  • Many live with:

    • Public composure but private fragmentation

    • Curated image but concealed brokenness

  • Core tension: “Close enough to see Jesus… but far enough not to be seen.”

2. Jesus the Seeker, Not a Passerby

  • Jesus enters Jericho “passing through” — but He does not pass people by.

  • He is:

    • Seeking

    • Looking

    • Intentionally pursuing those who are hiding

  • Jesus does not wait for readiness — He initiates encounter.

3. Zacchaeus: A Man Defined by His Past

  • He was a chief tax collector:

    • Wealthy, powerful, but socially rejected

    • Seen as corrupt and traitorous

  • His real issue was not physical limitation but social exclusion.

  • Insight:

    • People define you by your past

    • Jesus calls you by your future

4. The Hiding Place Becomes the Finding Place

  • Zacchaeus:

    • Runs (undignified)

    • Climbs a tree (socially shameful)

  • The sycamore tree:

    • A place of concealment

    • A place of distance

  • Kingdom principle:

    • The place you hide is often the place Jesus finds you

5. The Turning Point: Jesus Stops

  • In the middle of the crowd, Jesus stops.

  • This is the moment of divine interruption:

    • Heaven pauses for the one

  • Jesus:

    • Sees him

    • Knows him

    • Calls him by name

6. Identity Before Behaviour

  • “Zacchaeus” means “pure”

  • Jesus calls him by his true identity, not his current condition

  • Gospel pattern:

    • Identity leads to Transformation which leads to Behaviour

  • Strategic takeaway:

    • Jesus restores identity before demanding change

7. The Scandal of Grace

  • Jesus invites Himself into Zacchaeus’ home

  • Cultural shock:

    • Guests did not invite themselves

    • Holy men did not enter “unclean” homes

  • Grace is:

    • Intentional

    • Costly

    • Disruptive

8. True Repentance: A Joyful Response

  • Zacchaeus “came down at once and welcomed Him gladly”

  • Repentance is not:

    • Shame-driven

    • Behaviour-first

  • Repentance is:

    • Leaving our hiding place

    • Joyfully hosting Jesus

9. Hosting Jesus, Not Visiting Him

  • Greek word “hypodechomai” = to receive as an honoured guest

  • This implies:

    • Full reorientation of life

    • Surrender of control

  • Key distinction:

    • Many want Jesus as a visitor

    • Few want Him as Lord

10. Transformation Flows from Presence

  • Zacchaeus gives radically before being instructed

  • We see his Transformation:

    • From being a taker → to becoming a giver

    • From corruption → to generosity

  • Principle:

    • Behaviour change is the fruit, not the root

11. Salvation Defined Properly

  • “Today salvation has come to this house”

  • Salvation includes:

    • Forgiveness

    • Restoration

    • Wholeness (shalom)

  • Greek insight:

    • “Lost” (apollumi) = broken, fragmented, ruined

  • Jesus’ mission:

    • To restore what is fragmented into wholeness

Memorable quotes

  • “You can manage your image with people—but you cannot hide from a God who sees.”

  • “People define you by your past, but Jesus calls you by your future.”

  • “Your hiding place will become your finding place.”

  • “Jesus is not looking for polished people; He is looking for willing people.”

  • “We do not change ini order to belong; we belong in order to change.”

  • “The Gospel is not about meeting Jesus—it is about hosting Him.”

Questions for discussion

  • Where in your life are you “hiding in plain sight”?

  • What are the “sycamore trees” you use to keep distance from Jesus?

  • How does it challenge you that Jesus sees you fully and still invites Himself in?

  • Do you relate more to Zacchaeus or the crowd? Why?

  • What does it practically mean to “host Jesus” in your daily life?

  • Have you been trying to change behaviour before receiving identity?

  • What would it look like for your home (oikos) to experience salvation?

  • Where is Jesus asking you to “come down immediately”?

Further reading

  • Luke 15:1–7 (The lost sheep – God seeking the one)

  • John 10:10 (Destruction vs. abundant life)

  • Ezekiel 36:26–27 (New heart, new spirit)

  • Isaiah 61:1–3 (Restoration of the broken)

  • Psalm 34:18 (God near to the brokenhearted)

  • Ephesians 2:4–10 (Grace and transformation)

  • Colossians 1:13–14 (Rescue and redemption)

Prayer points

  • Lord, reveal any areas where I am hiding from You

  • Jesus, help me respond quickly when You call my name

  • Holy Spirit, reshape my identity according to heaven’s truth

  • Give me grace to move from observation to surrender

  • Teach me to host Your presence, not just visit with You

  • Bring transformation in every area of my life and home

  • Restore every fragmented area and bring wholeness (shalom)

  • Use my life as a channel of blessing to others