Sermon Notes

I. We are walking through the story of Zacchaeus in order to properly understand this text.
Focusing on two specific misunderstandings of the text:

1. The story is often viewed with Zacchaeus as the main character…as a seeker of Jesus.

2. The text is sometimes interpreted as Zacchaeus already “mending his ways” before his meeting with Jesus. This misinterpretation is less prevalent.


II. Correct understanding of the text:

1. Jesus initiated the relationship with Zacchaeus.

Jesus is the focus of the story.

2. Zacchaeus’s change of behavior is a reaction to his new relationship with Jesus.

Contrast the reaction of Zacchaeus with that of the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18.


III. Every story of the Bible should be read with God as the central figure. When we fail to do so then we miss the point of the story.