My Favorite Story: Jesus & Zacchaeus | Matt Morgan

Good morning. Good morning. >> Good morning. You think I'd done this >> Good morning. You think I'd done this >> Good morning. You think I'd done this before. Uh, hey, good morning to before. Uh, hey, good morning to before. Uh, hey, good morning to fellowship. Good morning to those in the fellowship. Good morning to those in the fellowship. Good morning to those in the chapel. Good morning to those joining us chapel. Good morning to those joining us chapel. Good morning to those joining us online. If we haven't met yet or my face online. If we haven't met yet or my face online. If we haven't met yet or my face doesn't look familiar, I am Matt Morgan. doesn't look familiar, I am Matt Morgan. doesn't look familiar, I am Matt Morgan. I get to serve as our campus pastor at I get to serve as our campus pastor at I get to serve as our campus pastor at the ML campus ever since we launched the ML campus ever since we launched the ML campus ever since we launched that back in 2022. Uh, but before that, that back in 2022. Uh, but before that, that back in 2022. Uh, but before that, um, I was here on the West Little Rock um, I was here on the West Little Rock um, I was here on the West Little Rock campus. Got to serve uh, for many years campus. Got to serve uh, for many years campus. Got to serve uh, for many years as the pre-teen pastor and then the kids as the pre-teen pastor and then the kids as the pre-teen pastor and then the kids pastor. And so, uh, it is a blessing and pastor. And so, uh, it is a blessing and pastor. And so, uh, it is a blessing and kind of a surprise that they invited me kind of a surprise that they invited me kind of a surprise that they invited me back, um, to be honest. But it is good back, um, to be honest. But it is good back, um, to be honest. But it is good to see so many familiar faces, but also to see so many familiar faces, but also to see so many familiar faces, but also so many new faces. It really is a so many new faces. It really is a so many new faces. It really is a blessing to be here. I got a picture of blessing to be here. I got a picture of blessing to be here. I got a picture of my family. I want to introduce you to my family. I want to introduce you to my family. I want to introduce you to them. They were here first service. Uh, them. They were here first service. Uh, them. They were here first service. Uh, this is my wife Dana, my daughters this is my wife Dana, my daughters this is my wife Dana, my daughters Maggie and Macy. Uh, when we came to Maggie and Macy. Uh, when we came to Maggie and Macy. Uh, when we came to fellowship back in 2011, uh, my oldest fellowship back in 2011, uh, my oldest fellowship back in 2011, uh, my oldest daughter Maggie was just four months daughter Maggie was just four months daughter Maggie was just four months old. And then a couple years later, our old. And then a couple years later, our old. And then a couple years later, our daughter Macy was born here. And so this daughter Macy was born here. And so this daughter Macy was born here. And so this really the only church they've ever really the only church they've ever really the only church they've ever known and they love it here. But for my known and they love it here. But for my known and they love it here. But for my wife and I, we can say without wife and I, we can say without wife and I, we can say without reservation, uh, we love fellowship and reservation, uh, we love fellowship and reservation, uh, we love fellowship and we really are blessed to get to be a we really are blessed to get to be a we really are blessed to get to be a part of what God's doing in and through part of what God's doing in and through part of what God's doing in and through this church. So, thank you church for this church. So, thank you church for this church. So, thank you church for letting us be a part of it. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. Thanks for letting us be a part of it. Thanks for letting me be here. Uh, if you have your letting me be here. Uh, if you have your letting me be here. Uh, if you have your Bible or the Bible app, I encourage you Bible or the Bible app, I encourage you Bible or the Bible app, I encourage you to go to Luke chapter 19. Luke chapter to go to Luke chapter 19. Luke chapter to go to Luke chapter 19. Luke chapter 19 is where we're going to be this 19 is where we're going to be this 19 is where we're going to be this morning. Um, and I'm excited to kind of morning. Um, and I'm excited to kind of morning. Um, and I'm excited to kind of share my favorite story, the story of share my favorite story, the story of share my favorite story, the story of Jesus and a man named Zakius.

Jesus and a man named Zakius. Jesus and a man named Zakius. Now, if you're familiar with this story Now, if you're familiar with this story Now, if you're familiar with this story and you're looking at me, you understand and you're looking at me, you understand and you're looking at me, you understand why I chose this, why I chose this, why I chose this, right? If you don't know what this story right? If you don't know what this story right? If you don't know what this story is about, maybe you didn't grow up in is about, maybe you didn't grow up in is about, maybe you didn't grow up in church, you're going to find out in a church, you're going to find out in a church, you're going to find out in a minute because we're going to help you. minute because we're going to help you. minute because we're going to help you. Because those of you that grew up in Because those of you that grew up in Because those of you that grew up in church, your first recollection of church, your first recollection of church, your first recollection of Zakius was probably not the Bible story, Zakius was probably not the Bible story, Zakius was probably not the Bible story, but a song, right? You remember this but a song, right? You remember this but a song, right? You remember this song? Uh, so sing it with me if you know song? Uh, so sing it with me if you know song? Uh, so sing it with me if you know it. Zakius was a wee little man. As a it. Zakius was a wee little man. As a it. Zakius was a wee little man. As a wee little man was he. Yeah. So, Zakius wee little man was he. Yeah. So, Zakius wee little man was he. Yeah. So, Zakius is a short guy. And as a vertically is a short guy. And as a vertically is a short guy. And as a vertically challenged pastor, I identify with challenged pastor, I identify with challenged pastor, I identify with Zakius, right? I I I chose this story Zakius, right? I I I chose this story Zakius, right? I I I chose this story because short guys got to stick because short guys got to stick because short guys got to stick together. I'm never more aware of my together. I'm never more aware of my together. I'm never more aware of my shortness than when I'm around Mark shortness than when I'm around Mark shortness than when I'm around Mark Henry. You guys know Mark Henry? Yeah. Henry. You guys know Mark Henry? Yeah. Henry. You guys know Mark Henry? Yeah. Uh Mark Henry is 6' 8. I don't know how Uh Mark Henry is 6' 8. I don't know how Uh Mark Henry is 6' 8. I don't know how tall he is. Uh, but Mark loves to put tall he is. Uh, but Mark loves to put tall he is. Uh, but Mark loves to put his arm around me and I hate it because his arm around me and I hate it because his arm around me and I hate it because when he puts his arm around me, my head when he puts his arm around me, my head when he puts his arm around me, my head smells like his deodorant. Uh, I come up smells like his deodorant. Uh, I come up smells like his deodorant. Uh, I come up to about right here with him. And so, to about right here with him. And so, to about right here with him. And so, uh, I I try to remind him often what uh, I I try to remind him often what uh, I I try to remind him often what Psalm 115 says. Verse 13 says, that God Psalm 115 says. Verse 13 says, that God Psalm 115 says. Verse 13 says, that God will bless all those who fear the Lord, will bless all those who fear the Lord, will bless all those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. It both the small and the great. It both the small and the great. It mentions both, but just to be clear, it mentions both, but just to be clear, it mentions both, but just to be clear, it mentions the small first. Okay. Um, no, mentions the small first. Okay. Um, no, mentions the small first. Okay. Um, no, I listen, this is a fun story. as a kids I listen, this is a fun story. as a kids I listen, this is a fun story. as a kids pastor for many years, the story of pastor for many years, the story of pastor for many years, the story of Zakius was just a fun one to tell to Zakius was just a fun one to tell to Zakius was just a fun one to tell to kids. And it is something that, you kids. And it is something that, you kids. And it is something that, you know, is memorable because of the know, is memorable because of the know, is memorable because of the shortness of Zakius and the story that shortness of Zakius and the story that shortness of Zakius and the story that we're going to read. But really, the

we're going to read. But really, the we're going to read. But really, the reason I chose this story, the reason I reason I chose this story, the reason I reason I chose this story, the reason I love this story is for just 10 verses, love this story is for just 10 verses, love this story is for just 10 verses, this is one of the most beautiful and this is one of the most beautiful and this is one of the most beautiful and clear pictures of who Jesus is, of why clear pictures of who Jesus is, of why clear pictures of who Jesus is, of why he came, and of what his grace has the he came, and of what his grace has the he came, and of what his grace has the power to do in us that we get in all of power to do in us that we get in all of power to do in us that we get in all of scripture. And so I'm excited to kind of scripture. And so I'm excited to kind of scripture. And so I'm excited to kind of share it this morning. And so Luke share it this morning. And so Luke share it this morning. And so Luke chapter 19, I want to encourage you to chapter 19, I want to encourage you to chapter 19, I want to encourage you to read it with me. We're going to read read it with me. We're going to read read it with me. We're going to read verse 1-10. verse 1-10. verse 1-10. Here's what the word says. It says, "He Here's what the word says. It says, "He Here's what the word says. It says, "He being Jesus entered Jericho and was being Jesus entered Jericho and was being Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a passing through. And behold, there was a passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zakius. He was a chief tax man named Zakius. He was a chief tax man named Zakius. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was collector and was rich. And he was collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was. But on seeking to see who Jesus was. But on seeking to see who Jesus was. But on account of the crowd, he could not account of the crowd, he could not account of the crowd, he could not because he was small in stature. because he was small in stature. because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was sycamore tree to see him, for he was sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus about to pass that way. And when Jesus about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said came to the place, he looked up and said came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zakius, to him, "Zakius, to him, "Zakius, hurry and come down, for I must stay at hurry and come down, for I must stay at hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." And so he hurried and your house today." And so he hurried and your house today." And so he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And came down and received him joyfully. And came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who has gone in to be the guest of a man who has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zakius stood and said is a sinner." And Zakius stood and said is a sinner." And Zakius stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I my goods I give to the poor. And if I my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I have defrauded anyone of anything, I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it four-fold." And Jesus said to restore it four-fold." And Jesus said to restore it four-fold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this him, "Today salvation has come to this him, "Today salvation has come to this house since he also is a son of

house since he also is a son of house since he also is a son of Abraham." For the son of man came to Abraham." For the son of man came to Abraham." For the son of man came to seek and to save the lost. What a seek and to save the lost. What a seek and to save the lost. What a beautiful and powerful story. We're beautiful and powerful story. We're beautiful and powerful story. We're probably familiar with the story. probably familiar with the story. probably familiar with the story. certainly familiar with verse 10, but as certainly familiar with verse 10, but as certainly familiar with verse 10, but as we read it in context, it really has we read it in context, it really has we read it in context, it really has three movements. And each movement kind three movements. And each movement kind three movements. And each movement kind of teaches us something important. So I of teaches us something important. So I of teaches us something important. So I want to break those movements down. So want to break those movements down. So want to break those movements down. So the first movement of this story, the the first movement of this story, the the first movement of this story, the first act, if you will, is when we're first act, if you will, is when we're first act, if you will, is when we're introduced to Zakius. I'm labeling that introduced to Zakius. I'm labeling that introduced to Zakius. I'm labeling that a searching sinner. The first act is all a searching sinner. The first act is all a searching sinner. The first act is all about a searching sinner. Luke is very about a searching sinner. Luke is very about a searching sinner. Luke is very detailed and he gives us a couple of detailed and he gives us a couple of detailed and he gives us a couple of things to know about Zakius. First, he things to know about Zakius. First, he things to know about Zakius. First, he says he was a chief tax collector and he says he was a chief tax collector and he says he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Now, to most of us, that was rich. Now, to most of us, that was rich. Now, to most of us, that sounds like a pretty impressive resume, sounds like a pretty impressive resume, sounds like a pretty impressive resume, doesn't it? Like, he's a successful doesn't it? Like, he's a successful doesn't it? Like, he's a successful businessman. He is financially businessman. He is financially businessman. He is financially comfortable. That's not a bad life at comfortable. That's not a bad life at comfortable. That's not a bad life at all. But this is actually a shocking all. But this is actually a shocking all. But this is actually a shocking introduction. Because to be a tax introduction. Because to be a tax introduction. Because to be a tax collector, you weren't just unpopular. collector, you weren't just unpopular. collector, you weren't just unpopular. You were a traitor. You see what tax You were a traitor. You see what tax You were a traitor. You see what tax collectors did was they collected taxes collectors did was they collected taxes collectors did was they collected taxes for Rome for the conquering oppressive for Rome for the conquering oppressive for Rome for the conquering oppressive government of Rome. They put these government of Rome. They put these government of Rome. They put these burdensome taxes on their fellow Jewish burdensome taxes on their fellow Jewish burdensome taxes on their fellow Jewish people. And so people like Zakius were people. And so people like Zakius were people. And so people like Zakius were the ones to go and take that money. And the ones to go and take that money. And the ones to go and take that money. And not only that, but tax collectors worked not only that, but tax collectors worked not only that, but tax collectors worked on commission, meaning they would on commission, meaning they would on commission, meaning they would collect the required tax for Rome. But collect the required tax for Rome. But collect the required tax for Rome. But anything that they could squeeze out of anything that they could squeeze out of anything that they could squeeze out of the people above and beyond that tax, the people above and beyond that tax, the people above and beyond that tax, they got to keep themselves.

they got to keep themselves. they got to keep themselves. It was extortion. It was betraying your It was extortion. It was betraying your It was extortion. It was betraying your own people for personal gain. It was a own people for personal gain. It was a own people for personal gain. It was a vile practice. And Luke says Zakius vile practice. And Luke says Zakius vile practice. And Luke says Zakius wasn't just a tax collector. He was the wasn't just a tax collector. He was the wasn't just a tax collector. He was the chief tax collector. He was the head of chief tax collector. He was the head of chief tax collector. He was the head of this operation. So when it says that he this operation. So when it says that he this operation. So when it says that he was rich, that's not a compliment. was rich, that's not a compliment. was rich, that's not a compliment. That's an indictment. See, the very That's an indictment. See, the very That's an indictment. See, the very thing that defines him was the thing thing that defines him was the thing thing that defines him was the thing that made him despised by other people. that made him despised by other people. that made him despised by other people. To be rich meant he was exorbitantly To be rich meant he was exorbitantly To be rich meant he was exorbitantly taxing his own people for his personal taxing his own people for his personal taxing his own people for his personal gain. gain. gain. So, I don't know if Zakius felt some So, I don't know if Zakius felt some So, I don't know if Zakius felt some level of guilt. He he probably should. I level of guilt. He he probably should. I level of guilt. He he probably should. I don't know if there was some sense of don't know if there was some sense of don't know if there was some sense of for everything he had accumulated and for everything he had accumulated and for everything he had accumulated and all the wealth, he still felt empty. But all the wealth, he still felt empty. But all the wealth, he still felt empty. But something was going on because verse something was going on because verse something was going on because verse three tells us that he was seeking to three tells us that he was seeking to three tells us that he was seeking to see who Jesus was. see who Jesus was. see who Jesus was. Something was missing. Something was Something was missing. Something was Something was missing. Something was restless inside of this man. So when restless inside of this man. So when restless inside of this man. So when word came that Jesus of Nazareth word came that Jesus of Nazareth word came that Jesus of Nazareth Nazareth was going to be passing Nazareth was going to be passing Nazareth was going to be passing through, Zakius thought, I've got to put through, Zakius thought, I've got to put through, Zakius thought, I've got to put my eyes on this people. I I got to put my eyes on this people. I I got to put my eyes on this people. I I got to put my eyes on the man that everyone's my eyes on the man that everyone's my eyes on the man that everyone's talking about. The miracles and and the talking about. The miracles and and the talking about. The miracles and and the teachings have been spread about. Zakius teachings have been spread about. Zakius teachings have been spread about. Zakius wants to see him. But the problem is wants to see him. But the problem is wants to see him. But the problem is everyone else had the same idea.

everyone else had the same idea. everyone else had the same idea. The people wanted to see Jesus. And so The people wanted to see Jesus. And so The people wanted to see Jesus. And so they form these large crowds along the they form these large crowds along the they form these large crowds along the path. And Zakius is too short to see path. And Zakius is too short to see path. And Zakius is too short to see him. But you know, most short guys were him. But you know, most short guys were him. But you know, most short guys were pretty smart guys. And so Zakius runs on pretty smart guys. And so Zakius runs on pretty smart guys. And so Zakius runs on ahead and what does he do? climbs up ahead and what does he do? climbs up ahead and what does he do? climbs up into a sycamore tree and he waits for into a sycamore tree and he waits for into a sycamore tree and he waits for Jesus to pass by. Now, we're going to Jesus to pass by. Now, we're going to Jesus to pass by. Now, we're going to get to that part of the story in just a get to that part of the story in just a get to that part of the story in just a moment. We're going to get to Jesus moment. We're going to get to Jesus moment. We're going to get to Jesus because he's the hero. He's the point of because he's the hero. He's the point of because he's the hero. He's the point of this whole story, but I want to pause this whole story, but I want to pause this whole story, but I want to pause for a moment and let's just consider the for a moment and let's just consider the for a moment and let's just consider the restlessness that we see in Zakius. restlessness that we see in Zakius. restlessness that we see in Zakius. Here's a man who has climbed every Here's a man who has climbed every Here's a man who has climbed every ladder the world has given him, and he ladder the world has given him, and he ladder the world has given him, and he still finds himself looking for still finds himself looking for still finds himself looking for something more. something more. something more. Luke makes this very distinctive point Luke makes this very distinctive point Luke makes this very distinctive point to tell us he's rich. He's powerful. to tell us he's rich. He's powerful. to tell us he's rich. He's powerful. Even if he came to that power by by evil Even if he came to that power by by evil Even if he came to that power by by evil and wicked means, he still has and wicked means, he still has and wicked means, he still has influence. influence. influence. And yet, And yet, And yet, like a child, he's climbing up in a tree like a child, he's climbing up in a tree like a child, he's climbing up in a tree just to get a glimpse of another man just to get a glimpse of another man just to get a glimpse of another man coming that way. I think the tension coming that way. I think the tension coming that way. I think the tension here is the point. I think Luke wants us here is the point. I think Luke wants us here is the point. I think Luke wants us to feel the tension because everything to feel the tension because everything to feel the tension because everything that Zakius already has, it's not enough that Zakius already has, it's not enough that Zakius already has, it's not enough to quiet the restlessness of his heart.

to quiet the restlessness of his heart. to quiet the restlessness of his heart. Everything he's accumulated, Everything he's accumulated, Everything he's accumulated, something is still missing. something is still missing. something is still missing. Something needs to satisfy his soul. And Something needs to satisfy his soul. And Something needs to satisfy his soul. And so Zakius is looking. He's searching. He so Zakius is looking. He's searching. He so Zakius is looking. He's searching. He knows that there's something else or knows that there's something else or knows that there's something else or maybe someone else who can satisfy. maybe someone else who can satisfy. maybe someone else who can satisfy. See, I bring that up because the See, I bring that up because the See, I bring that up because the restlessness that we see Zakius restlessness that we see Zakius restlessness that we see Zakius experiencing, it's something that every experiencing, it's something that every experiencing, it's something that every human being experiences. human being experiences. human being experiences. Every one of us feel a dissatisfaction Every one of us feel a dissatisfaction Every one of us feel a dissatisfaction at some point with what the world has to at some point with what the world has to at some point with what the world has to offer us. Why? Because it's not created offer us. Why? Because it's not created offer us. Why? Because it's not created to fill the hole and the need in our to fill the hole and the need in our to fill the hole and the need in our hearts that only Christ can feel. hearts that only Christ can feel. hearts that only Christ can feel. Here's the point that I see in this Here's the point that I see in this Here's the point that I see in this first movement. It's that the first movement. It's that the first movement. It's that the restlessness of the human heart because restlessness of the human heart because restlessness of the human heart because we all have it. It's meant to reveal a we all have it. It's meant to reveal a we all have it. It's meant to reveal a need that only Jesus can meet. need that only Jesus can meet. need that only Jesus can meet. You see, the common experience of You see, the common experience of You see, the common experience of restlessness is based on a common need. restlessness is based on a common need. restlessness is based on a common need. For every single one of us, our sin has For every single one of us, our sin has For every single one of us, our sin has separated us from God, our creator. And separated us from God, our creator. And separated us from God, our creator. And without the relationship that we were without the relationship that we were without the relationship that we were created to have with him as our designer created to have with him as our designer created to have with him as our designer and creator, we will never experience and creator, we will never experience and creator, we will never experience real and true satisfaction or rest.

real and true satisfaction or rest. real and true satisfaction or rest. So the restlessness that we all feel, So the restlessness that we all feel, So the restlessness that we all feel, it's a reminder of our need for Jesus. it's a reminder of our need for Jesus. it's a reminder of our need for Jesus. I don't have time to really fully unpack I don't have time to really fully unpack I don't have time to really fully unpack this, but John 1:1 is so important for this, but John 1:1 is so important for this, but John 1:1 is so important for us when we think about this. You may be us when we think about this. You may be us when we think about this. You may be familiar with that passage where John familiar with that passage where John familiar with that passage where John opens his gospel with a very familiar opens his gospel with a very familiar opens his gospel with a very familiar account from Genesis 1:1, but he changes account from Genesis 1:1, but he changes account from Genesis 1:1, but he changes it up a little bit. He says, "In the it up a little bit. He says, "In the it up a little bit. He says, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was beginning was the word, and the word was beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God." And you with God, and the word was God." And you with God, and the word was God." And you may know that he's specifically talking may know that he's specifically talking may know that he's specifically talking there about Jesus. He is the living there about Jesus. He is the living there about Jesus. He is the living word. The actual Greek word there is the word. The actual Greek word there is the word. The actual Greek word there is the word logos. The word logos has a a word logos. The word logos has a a word logos. The word logos has a a definition of purpose or reason or definition of purpose or reason or definition of purpose or reason or meaning. It's where we get our word meaning. It's where we get our word meaning. It's where we get our word logic. logic. logic. The Greek philosophers would use that The Greek philosophers would use that The Greek philosophers would use that word to describe the thing that gives word to describe the thing that gives word to describe the thing that gives order and coherence to the whole order and coherence to the whole order and coherence to the whole universe. It was the answer to the universe. It was the answer to the universe. It was the answer to the question, what makes everything hold question, what makes everything hold question, what makes everything hold together.

It's what's necessary for life. It's It's what's necessary for life. It's what is meant to make sense of what is meant to make sense of what is meant to make sense of everything and give us a piece. And what everything and give us a piece. And what everything and give us a piece. And what does the Bible say? The Bible says it's does the Bible say? The Bible says it's does the Bible say? The Bible says it's Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. He is the logos. He is the logos. He is the logos. So in order for our hearts to truly find So in order for our hearts to truly find So in order for our hearts to truly find rest, to truly be satisfied, it is not rest, to truly be satisfied, it is not rest, to truly be satisfied, it is not going to be found any other place than going to be found any other place than going to be found any other place than in him. in him. in him. The 4th century theologian Augustine The 4th century theologian Augustine The 4th century theologian Augustine famously prayed, "You have made us for famously prayed, "You have made us for famously prayed, "You have made us for yourself, O Lord." And our hearts are yourself, O Lord." And our hearts are yourself, O Lord." And our hearts are restless until they find rest in you. restless until they find rest in you. restless until they find rest in you. See, we got to understand the See, we got to understand the See, we got to understand the restlessness of our hearts. It's not an restlessness of our hearts. It's not an restlessness of our hearts. It's not an accident. It's not a flaw in the human accident. It's not a flaw in the human accident. It's not a flaw in the human experience. It is part of God's design, experience. It is part of God's design, experience. It is part of God's design, especially since the fall, that is meant especially since the fall, that is meant especially since the fall, that is meant to point us and lead us back to Jesus as to point us and lead us back to Jesus as to point us and lead us back to Jesus as the only one who satisfies. the only one who satisfies. the only one who satisfies. Ecclesiastes says that God has set Ecclesiastes says that God has set Ecclesiastes says that God has set eternity in the human heart. What he's eternity in the human heart. What he's eternity in the human heart. What he's saying is the restlessness that we feel, saying is the restlessness that we feel, saying is the restlessness that we feel, it's this built-in reminder that we're it's this built-in reminder that we're it's this built-in reminder that we're not meant to be self-satisfied. not meant to be self-satisfied. not meant to be self-satisfied. We're not meant to be self-sufficient.

We're not meant to be self-sufficient. We're not meant to be self-sufficient. So, when we feel restlessness, we So, when we feel restlessness, we So, when we feel restlessness, we shouldn't ignore it. We shouldn't take shouldn't ignore it. We shouldn't take shouldn't ignore it. We shouldn't take it as a sign that we we try harder and it as a sign that we we try harder and it as a sign that we we try harder and press on more. It should be a siren press on more. It should be a siren press on more. It should be a siren going off inside of us telling us that going off inside of us telling us that going off inside of us telling us that we were made for a relationship with our we were made for a relationship with our we were made for a relationship with our creator and the only way back is through creator and the only way back is through creator and the only way back is through Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Listen, if you're here this morning Listen, if you're here this morning Listen, if you're here this morning and for one reason or another you've and for one reason or another you've and for one reason or another you've never put faith in Jesus, you never never put faith in Jesus, you never never put faith in Jesus, you never trusted him as Lord, I just need to talk trusted him as Lord, I just need to talk trusted him as Lord, I just need to talk to you for a moment because I know that to you for a moment because I know that to you for a moment because I know that you're experiencing restlessness. I've you're experiencing restlessness. I've you're experiencing restlessness. I've been there been there been there and I need you to know that that and I need you to know that that and I need you to know that that restlessness is not because you need restlessness is not because you need restlessness is not because you need another job. another job. another job. That restlessness is not because you That restlessness is not because you That restlessness is not because you need another relationship. need another relationship. need another relationship. That restlessness is not because you That restlessness is not because you That restlessness is not because you just need a better version of yourself. just need a better version of yourself. just need a better version of yourself. That restlessness you feel is your soul That restlessness you feel is your soul That restlessness you feel is your soul longing to be reconnected to its longing to be reconnected to its longing to be reconnected to its creator. And the only way is through creator. And the only way is through creator. And the only way is through Jesus. Listen, if you're a believer in the Listen, if you're a believer in the room, you're probably going, "What about room, you're probably going, "What about room, you're probably going, "What about me? I struggle with restlessness."

me? I struggle with restlessness." me? I struggle with restlessness." You bet we do. Even as believers, we You bet we do. Even as believers, we You bet we do. Even as believers, we still often struggle with restlessness. still often struggle with restlessness. still often struggle with restlessness. It's not because we need Jesus to save It's not because we need Jesus to save It's not because we need Jesus to save us again. No, his work is a once-for-all us again. No, his work is a once-for-all us again. No, his work is a once-for-all work. It is it is sufficient to forgive work. It is it is sufficient to forgive work. It is it is sufficient to forgive and reconcile and secure us in Christ. and reconcile and secure us in Christ. and reconcile and secure us in Christ. But the problem is we drift away from But the problem is we drift away from But the problem is we drift away from that truth. that truth. that truth. The world just starts bombard bombarding The world just starts bombard bombarding The world just starts bombard bombarding us with worries. Worries for today, us with worries. Worries for today, us with worries. Worries for today, worries for tomorrow. And before too worries for tomorrow. And before too worries for tomorrow. And before too long, we start to live as if our peace, long, we start to live as if our peace, long, we start to live as if our peace, our satisfaction really depends on us our satisfaction really depends on us our satisfaction really depends on us holding everything together. holding everything together. holding everything together. I was reminded of this very vividly a I was reminded of this very vividly a I was reminded of this very vividly a couple of weeks ago as I was riding couple of weeks ago as I was riding couple of weeks ago as I was riding around in the backseat of the car while around in the backseat of the car while around in the backseat of the car while my 76-year-old father was driving. my 76-year-old father was driving. my 76-year-old father was driving. Never was I more terrified. Never was I more terrified. Never was I more terrified. As I sat in the back seat, I I wanted so As I sat in the back seat, I I wanted so As I sat in the back seat, I I wanted so badly for my hands to be on the steering badly for my hands to be on the steering badly for my hands to be on the steering wheel. I wanted to be in control of how wheel. I wanted to be in control of how wheel. I wanted to be in control of how fast we were going. I wanted to be in fast we were going. I wanted to be in fast we were going. I wanted to be in control of looking out for other cars control of looking out for other cars control of looking out for other cars that were coming our way. I wanted to be that were coming our way. I wanted to be that were coming our way. I wanted to be in control of when and where we turned.

in control of when and where we turned. in control of when and where we turned. It felt unsafe, honestly, to put my It felt unsafe, honestly, to put my It felt unsafe, honestly, to put my trust in him. So, I wanted to be in trust in him. So, I wanted to be in trust in him. So, I wanted to be in control. And I thought, isn't that control. And I thought, isn't that control. And I thought, isn't that exactly what we do with God? exactly what we do with God? exactly what we do with God? Man, he has secured our future through Man, he has secured our future through Man, he has secured our future through Christ. He has promised that he will Christ. He has promised that he will Christ. He has promised that he will never leave us. He's assured us in never leave us. He's assured us in never leave us. He's assured us in Romans that nothing can separate us from Romans that nothing can separate us from Romans that nothing can separate us from his love. And yet, his love. And yet, his love. And yet, when we start getting anxious and when we start getting anxious and when we start getting anxious and worried, we sit in the backseat of God's worried, we sit in the backseat of God's worried, we sit in the backseat of God's providence, and we're just trying to providence, and we're just trying to providence, and we're just trying to grab the steering wheel. grab the steering wheel. grab the steering wheel. Listen, that's why we feel as believers Listen, that's why we feel as believers Listen, that's why we feel as believers anxious and restless. It's because we're anxious and restless. It's because we're anxious and restless. It's because we're trying to hold on to peace that keeps trying to hold on to peace that keeps trying to hold on to peace that keeps slipping through our hands instead of slipping through our hands instead of slipping through our hands instead of trusting the one who holds all things in trusting the one who holds all things in trusting the one who holds all things in his hands. his hands. his hands. When restlessness shows up, I just need When restlessness shows up, I just need When restlessness shows up, I just need you to know, believer, it's often a sign you to know, believer, it's often a sign you to know, believer, it's often a sign that we have drifted from trusting in that we have drifted from trusting in that we have drifted from trusting in Christ and started trusting in Christ and started trusting in Christ and started trusting in ourselves. ourselves. ourselves. Instead of letting those worries just Instead of letting those worries just Instead of letting those worries just drive you further and further into drive you further and further into drive you further and further into self-reliance, self-reliance, self-reliance, realize that the restlessness you feel realize that the restlessness you feel realize that the restlessness you feel is meant to drive you back to Christ, to is meant to drive you back to Christ, to is meant to drive you back to Christ, to find your hope, to find your peace, to find your hope, to find your peace, to find your hope, to find your peace, to find your assurance and satisfaction in find your assurance and satisfaction in find your assurance and satisfaction in him and in him alone. The answer isn't him and in him alone. The answer isn't him and in him alone. The answer isn't to grip tighter. is to trust deeper. And to grip tighter. is to trust deeper. And to grip tighter. is to trust deeper. And this is one of the reasons why God gives this is one of the reasons why God gives this is one of the reasons why God gives us spiritual disciplines. We talk about us spiritual disciplines. We talk about us spiritual disciplines. We talk about this a lot here, right? That that is our this a lot here, right? That that is our this a lot here, right? That that is our grace-driven effort to move towards him grace-driven effort to move towards him grace-driven effort to move towards him through prayer and reading the Bible and through prayer and reading the Bible and through prayer and reading the Bible and time in the word and time in a time in the word and time in a time in the word and time in a fellowship with other believers. Those fellowship with other believers. Those fellowship with other believers. Those disciplines, they're not ways to earn disciplines, they're not ways to earn disciplines, they're not ways to earn God's favor. They're not ways to get his God's favor. They're not ways to get his God's favor. They're not ways to get his attention. They are his gracious means

attention. They are his gracious means attention. They are his gracious means of directing our hearts back to him. of directing our hearts back to him. of directing our hearts back to him. Much like Zakius climbing up the tree so Much like Zakius climbing up the tree so Much like Zakius climbing up the tree so that he could see Jesus. The disciplines that he could see Jesus. The disciplines that he could see Jesus. The disciplines are our way to position ourselves to see are our way to position ourselves to see are our way to position ourselves to see more of Jesus because through them the more of Jesus because through them the more of Jesus because through them the Holy Spirit begins to remind us of the Holy Spirit begins to remind us of the Holy Spirit begins to remind us of the gospel and what it says about us. It gospel and what it says about us. It gospel and what it says about us. It deepens our dependence on Christ and it deepens our dependence on Christ and it deepens our dependence on Christ and it helps us again to find our satisfaction helps us again to find our satisfaction helps us again to find our satisfaction in him and him alone. in him and him alone. in him and him alone. Restlessness is meant to drive us Restlessness is meant to drive us Restlessness is meant to drive us straight to Jesus. straight to Jesus. straight to Jesus. What I love about this story is that's What I love about this story is that's What I love about this story is that's what Zakius is beginning to discover. I what Zakius is beginning to discover. I what Zakius is beginning to discover. I don't think he understands who Jesus is don't think he understands who Jesus is don't think he understands who Jesus is yet. I don't think he's experienced yet. I don't think he's experienced yet. I don't think he's experienced salvation at this moment. And yet, the salvation at this moment. And yet, the salvation at this moment. And yet, the restlessness of his heart is leading him restlessness of his heart is leading him restlessness of his heart is leading him straight toward straight toward straight toward the only one who can satisfy it. That's the only one who can satisfy it. That's the only one who can satisfy it. That's the second movement of the story. This the second movement of the story. This the second movement of the story. This is the moment when we get introduced to is the moment when we get introduced to is the moment when we get introduced to Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I've labeled this one the seeking savior I've labeled this one the seeking savior I've labeled this one the seeking savior because Luke doesn't make this a story because Luke doesn't make this a story because Luke doesn't make this a story about Zakius trying to see Jesus.

about Zakius trying to see Jesus. about Zakius trying to see Jesus. He shows us that this is a story about He shows us that this is a story about He shows us that this is a story about Jesus seeking out Zakius. This is a Jesus seeking out Zakius. This is a Jesus seeking out Zakius. This is a savior who seeks and saves the lost. savior who seeks and saves the lost. savior who seeks and saves the lost. Verse 5 through7 says when he came to Verse 5 through7 says when he came to Verse 5 through7 says when he came to the place he looked up and get this the place he looked up and get this the place he looked up and get this Jesus says Zakius Jesus says Zakius Jesus says Zakius hurry and come down for I must stay at hurry and come down for I must stay at hurry and come down for I must stay at your house today. And Zakius hurries your house today. And Zakius hurries your house today. And Zakius hurries down and he receives him joyfully. down and he receives him joyfully. down and he receives him joyfully. It's really amazing to me to realize It's really amazing to me to realize It's really amazing to me to realize that there's a crowd full of people. I that there's a crowd full of people. I that there's a crowd full of people. I don't know, hundreds, thousands of don't know, hundreds, thousands of don't know, hundreds, thousands of people gathered on the streets. And yet people gathered on the streets. And yet people gathered on the streets. And yet Jesus stops. He looks up into a tree and Jesus stops. He looks up into a tree and Jesus stops. He looks up into a tree and he calls Zakius by name. he calls Zakius by name. he calls Zakius by name. Everyone else knew Zakius by his Everyone else knew Zakius by his Everyone else knew Zakius by his occupation. Some people knew him by his occupation. Some people knew him by his occupation. Some people knew him by his physical stature. Most everybody knew physical stature. Most everybody knew physical stature. Most everybody knew him by his sin. that Jesus knew him by him by his sin. that Jesus knew him by him by his sin. that Jesus knew him by his name and he calls him out. his name and he calls him out. his name and he calls him out. He invites him to come be with him. He He invites him to come be with him. He He invites him to come be with him. He says, "Hurry and come down for I must says, "Hurry and come down for I must says, "Hurry and come down for I must stay at your house today." Listen, we we stay at your house today." Listen, we we stay at your house today." Listen, we we skip over some things in the Bible, but skip over some things in the Bible, but skip over some things in the Bible, but they're important. Words are important.

they're important. Words are important. they're important. Words are important. The word must there is a really The word must there is a really The word must there is a really important word. important word. important word. Jesus doesn't say, "I want to, I Jesus doesn't say, "I want to, I Jesus doesn't say, "I want to, I should." He says, "I must." That word should." He says, "I must." That word should." He says, "I must." That word there is a word that Luke uses there is a word that Luke uses there is a word that Luke uses throughout his gospel to describe divine throughout his gospel to describe divine throughout his gospel to describe divine necessity. necessity. necessity. When that word is used, it's something When that word is used, it's something When that word is used, it's something that is part of God's plan. And so, it that is part of God's plan. And so, it that is part of God's plan. And so, it has to happen. It's the same word that has to happen. It's the same word that has to happen. It's the same word that is used when Jesus says he must suffer is used when Jesus says he must suffer is used when Jesus says he must suffer many things. That he must be delivered many things. That he must be delivered many things. That he must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, must be into the hands of sinful men, must be into the hands of sinful men, must be crucified, and must rise again. Do you crucified, and must rise again. Do you crucified, and must rise again. Do you see what's happening here? see what's happening here? see what's happening here? Jesus is not saying, "Hey, can I come Jesus is not saying, "Hey, can I come Jesus is not saying, "Hey, can I come over for dinner? over for dinner? over for dinner? Jesus is saying, "This is the reason I Jesus is saying, "This is the reason I Jesus is saying, "This is the reason I came." This man at this moment, it's the came." This man at this moment, it's the came." This man at this moment, it's the whole reason I came to Jericho. whole reason I came to Jericho. whole reason I came to Jericho. This is not a distraction. It's not a This is not a distraction. It's not a This is not a distraction. It's not a detour. This is God accomplishing the detour. This is God accomplishing the detour. This is God accomplishing the very mission that Jesus proclaims in very mission that Jesus proclaims in very mission that Jesus proclaims in verse 10 that Jesus, the son of man, has verse 10 that Jesus, the son of man, has verse 10 that Jesus, the son of man, has come to seek and to save the lost.

come to seek and to save the lost. come to seek and to save the lost. Like, it blows my mind to think about Like, it blows my mind to think about Like, it blows my mind to think about this. He calls him by name. He stops at this. He calls him by name. He stops at this. He calls him by name. He stops at this procession. Even the location that this procession. Even the location that this procession. Even the location that this happens shows us that it's part of this happens shows us that it's part of this happens shows us that it's part of God's plan because his providence is all God's plan because his providence is all God's plan because his providence is all over it. The city of Jericho, if you're over it. The city of Jericho, if you're over it. The city of Jericho, if you're not familiar with it, it sits in the not familiar with it, it sits in the not familiar with it, it sits in the middle of the Judean desert. It's an middle of the Judean desert. It's an middle of the Judean desert. It's an arid, harsh environment where nothing arid, harsh environment where nothing arid, harsh environment where nothing grows. And yet the city of Jericho, it grows. And yet the city of Jericho, it grows. And yet the city of Jericho, it sits a top underground springs that have sits a top underground springs that have sits a top underground springs that have a constant flow of water that make it a constant flow of water that make it a constant flow of water that make it this unexpected oasis where plants can this unexpected oasis where plants can this unexpected oasis where plants can grow, where plants like this sycamore grow, where plants like this sycamore grow, where plants like this sycamore tree can grow. tree can grow. tree can grow. And it amazes me to think that long And it amazes me to think that long And it amazes me to think that long before Zakius climbed that tree, God had before Zakius climbed that tree, God had before Zakius climbed that tree, God had prepared the place where grace was going prepared the place where grace was going prepared the place where grace was going to meet him. He's the one. He provided to meet him. He's the one. He provided to meet him. He's the one. He provided water and produced the tree so that on water and produced the tree so that on water and produced the tree so that on this very day Jesus would stop under its this very day Jesus would stop under its this very day Jesus would stop under its branches and he would call Zakius by branches and he would call Zakius by branches and he would call Zakius by name. name. name. The crowds didn't like it. Like they're The crowds didn't like it. Like they're The crowds didn't like it. Like they're shook by this. shook by this. shook by this. They thought Zakius was too corrupt, too They thought Zakius was too corrupt, too They thought Zakius was too corrupt, too sinful, too far gone. Listen, if he's sinful, too far gone. Listen, if he's sinful, too far gone. Listen, if he's ever going to be made right with God, ever going to be made right with God, ever going to be made right with God, Zakius has to make himself worthy, Zakius has to make himself worthy, Zakius has to make himself worthy, right? He has to pay back what he stole.

right? He has to pay back what he stole. right? He has to pay back what he stole. He has to repair what he broke. Clean up He has to repair what he broke. Clean up He has to repair what he broke. Clean up his reputation. Do that first and then his reputation. Do that first and then his reputation. Do that first and then maybe you can work your way back into maybe you can work your way back into maybe you can work your way back into the margins of mercy. the margins of mercy. the margins of mercy. Isn't that how religion thinks? Like Isn't that how religion thinks? Like Isn't that how religion thinks? Like make yourself right and then maybe God make yourself right and then maybe God make yourself right and then maybe God will accept you. But what I love about will accept you. But what I love about will accept you. But what I love about this story is Jesus flips it all upside this story is Jesus flips it all upside this story is Jesus flips it all upside down. down. down. He does not give Zakius a list of things He does not give Zakius a list of things He does not give Zakius a list of things to do. He doesn't give him a list and to do. He doesn't give him a list and to do. He doesn't give him a list and say, "Zakius, come down and fix these say, "Zakius, come down and fix these say, "Zakius, come down and fix these behaviors before I'll come to your behaviors before I'll come to your behaviors before I'll come to your house." No. He calls Zakius by name. He house." No. He calls Zakius by name. He house." No. He calls Zakius by name. He invites him to come and to be with him. invites him to come and to be with him. invites him to come and to be with him. And where this falls in the timeline of And where this falls in the timeline of And where this falls in the timeline of events, Luke casually says he's passing events, Luke casually says he's passing events, Luke casually says he's passing through Jericho. No, he wasn't. This is through Jericho. No, he wasn't. This is through Jericho. No, he wasn't. This is the last stop. This is the last city on the last stop. This is the last city on the last stop. This is the last city on his way to Jerusalem. his way to Jerusalem. his way to Jerusalem. Jesus is on his way to the cross. Jesus is on his way to the cross. Jesus is on his way to the cross. But even now, the cross is already But even now, the cross is already But even now, the cross is already casting its shadow backward into casting its shadow backward into casting its shadow backward into Jericho. Jericho. Jericho. You see, Jesus stops here under this You see, Jesus stops here under this You see, Jesus stops here under this tree to point forward to another tree.

tree to point forward to another tree. tree to point forward to another tree. He's saying, "This is what I'm going to He's saying, "This is what I'm going to He's saying, "This is what I'm going to accomplish. I'm going to the cross to accomplish. I'm going to the cross to accomplish. I'm going to the cross to save sinners, but I'm going to stop here save sinners, but I'm going to stop here save sinners, but I'm going to stop here and I'm going to show you salvation for and I'm going to show you salvation for and I'm going to show you salvation for one of them." one of them." one of them." Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrates Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrates Romans 5'8 says, "But God demonstrates his love for us, and that while we were his love for us, and that while we were his love for us, and that while we were still sinners, still sinners, still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ died for us." Christ died for us." This is the scandal of grace. This is the scandal of grace. This is the scandal of grace. See, Zakius didn't deserve to be called See, Zakius didn't deserve to be called See, Zakius didn't deserve to be called by name. He didn't deserve for Jesus to by name. He didn't deserve for Jesus to by name. He didn't deserve for Jesus to stop the whole procession and to go to stop the whole procession and to go to stop the whole procession and to go to his house. his house. his house. But grace is not about what you deserve. But grace is not about what you deserve. But grace is not about what you deserve. Grace is about what God is willing to Grace is about what God is willing to Grace is about what God is willing to give. And what he is willing to do. And give. And what he is willing to do. And give. And what he is willing to do. And what he's willing to give is his one and what he's willing to give is his one and what he's willing to give is his one and only son. And what he's willing to do is only son. And what he's willing to do is only son. And what he's willing to do is to send him to the cross to be a to send him to the cross to be a to send him to the cross to be a sacrifice for your sin so that you can sacrifice for your sin so that you can sacrifice for your sin so that you can be reconciled to him and have new life be reconciled to him and have new life be reconciled to him and have new life in him. Listen, this is the heart of the in him. Listen, this is the heart of the in him. Listen, this is the heart of the story. This is the heart of the gospel, story. This is the heart of the gospel, story. This is the heart of the gospel, the heart of the whole scriptures. the heart of the whole scriptures. the heart of the whole scriptures. It is the mission of Jesus to graciously It is the mission of Jesus to graciously It is the mission of Jesus to graciously move toward sinners and to restore move toward sinners and to restore move toward sinners and to restore relationship with those who are lost.

relationship with those who are lost. relationship with those who are lost. It it is him and his initiative to move It it is him and his initiative to move It it is him and his initiative to move in his grace toward sinners to restore in his grace toward sinners to restore in his grace toward sinners to restore relationship. Listen, that is good news relationship. Listen, that is good news relationship. Listen, that is good news for everyone in this room. For everyone for everyone in this room. For everyone for everyone in this room. For everyone in this room. If you're here and you're in this room. If you're here and you're in this room. If you're here and you're not a follower of Jesus, this is good not a follower of Jesus, this is good not a follower of Jesus, this is good news because the same Jesus in this news because the same Jesus in this news because the same Jesus in this story is still seeking to save the lost. story is still seeking to save the lost. story is still seeking to save the lost. And the fact that you're in this room is And the fact that you're in this room is And the fact that you're in this room is no accident. Like, I know that the same no accident. Like, I know that the same no accident. Like, I know that the same Jesus who looked up at Zakius and called Jesus who looked up at Zakius and called Jesus who looked up at Zakius and called him by name, he knows exactly who you him by name, he knows exactly who you him by name, he knows exactly who you are. And he invites you to come to him are. And he invites you to come to him are. And he invites you to come to him by faith. by faith. by faith. Just as God was working long before Just as God was working long before Just as God was working long before Zakius climbed the tree, I'm pretty sure Zakius climbed the tree, I'm pretty sure Zakius climbed the tree, I'm pretty sure he's been working in your life, maybe he's been working in your life, maybe he's been working in your life, maybe through your circumstances, maybe he's through your circumstances, maybe he's through your circumstances, maybe he's been working through the people who been working through the people who been working through the people who invited you here today. Maybe he's just invited you here today. Maybe he's just invited you here today. Maybe he's just been working through your own been working through your own been working through your own restlessness. restlessness. restlessness. But he's using those things to draw you But he's using those things to draw you But he's using those things to draw you to himself. He's inviting you to receive to himself. He's inviting you to receive to himself. He's inviting you to receive him by faith. Listen, you don't have to him by faith. Listen, you don't have to him by faith. Listen, you don't have to clean yourself up before coming to him. clean yourself up before coming to him. clean yourself up before coming to him. You don't have to make all the things You don't have to make all the things You don't have to make all the things right and fix your past before coming to right and fix your past before coming to right and fix your past before coming to him. You don't have to make yourself him. You don't have to make yourself him. You don't have to make yourself worthy.

worthy. worthy. Just as he did with Zakius, he just Just as he did with Zakius, he just Just as he did with Zakius, he just invites you to receive him joyfully by invites you to receive him joyfully by invites you to receive him joyfully by faith to put your trust in who he is and faith to put your trust in who he is and faith to put your trust in who he is and what he's done to save you. And listen, what he's done to save you. And listen, what he's done to save you. And listen, if you do that, he will do for you what if you do that, he will do for you what if you do that, he will do for you what you could never do for yourself. He will you could never do for yourself. He will you could never do for yourself. He will provide forgiveness. He will remove provide forgiveness. He will remove provide forgiveness. He will remove condemnation and guilt of your sin. He condemnation and guilt of your sin. He condemnation and guilt of your sin. He will restore the relationship that your will restore the relationship that your will restore the relationship that your heart is longing to have with your heart is longing to have with your heart is longing to have with your heavenly father. He will make you new. heavenly father. He will make you new. heavenly father. He will make you new. He will give you true rest in him. So if He will give you true rest in him. So if He will give you true rest in him. So if you're here this morning and you're not you're here this morning and you're not you're here this morning and you're not a believer that you feel him calling a believer that you feel him calling a believer that you feel him calling your name and let me encourage you, your name and let me encourage you, your name and let me encourage you, whoever you came with, talk with them, whoever you came with, talk with them, whoever you came with, talk with them, stop by the connection center, come find stop by the connection center, come find stop by the connection center, come find me. We would love to tell you more about me. We would love to tell you more about me. We would love to tell you more about Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. The rest and satisfaction in him is The rest and satisfaction in him is The rest and satisfaction in him is worth us sharing that with you. So don't worth us sharing that with you. So don't worth us sharing that with you. So don't leave without talking with someone leave without talking with someone leave without talking with someone today. today. today. But this is also good news for believers But this is also good news for believers But this is also good news for believers in the room. See, we kind of we kind of in the room. See, we kind of we kind of in the room. See, we kind of we kind of move on past this. But first, it's just move on past this. But first, it's just move on past this. But first, it's just good to be reminded of how we were good to be reminded of how we were good to be reminded of how we were saved, right? This is our story that we saved, right? This is our story that we saved, right? This is our story that we weren't saved by any merit of our own, weren't saved by any merit of our own, weren't saved by any merit of our own, but as Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace but as Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace but as Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." This you have been saved through faith." This you have been saved through faith." This is not your own doing. It's the gift of is not your own doing. It's the gift of is not your own doing. It's the gift of God.

God. God. But it's also good news because not only But it's also good news because not only But it's also good news because not only is God gracious towards us in Christ at is God gracious towards us in Christ at is God gracious towards us in Christ at the moment of our salvation, but he the moment of our salvation, but he the moment of our salvation, but he continues to be gracious towards us continues to be gracious towards us continues to be gracious towards us every step of the journey. every step of the journey. every step of the journey. The mission of Jesus is not merely to The mission of Jesus is not merely to The mission of Jesus is not merely to find the lost, but Luke says it is to find the lost, but Luke says it is to find the lost, but Luke says it is to save the lost. save the lost. save the lost. That means if Jesus has set his grace That means if Jesus has set his grace That means if Jesus has set his grace upon you, he's not the kind of savior upon you, he's not the kind of savior upon you, he's not the kind of savior who's going to abandon his work halfway who's going to abandon his work halfway who's going to abandon his work halfway through. through. through. He saved you by his grace and he's going He saved you by his grace and he's going He saved you by his grace and he's going to continue to hold you by his grace. As to continue to hold you by his grace. As to continue to hold you by his grace. As we said earlier, this is important we said earlier, this is important we said earlier, this is important because even after we've trusted in because even after we've trusted in because even after we've trusted in Christ, we can drift from the truth that Christ, we can drift from the truth that Christ, we can drift from the truth that he is enough, that he is all we need. he is enough, that he is all we need. he is enough, that he is all we need. And we can start looking for And we can start looking for And we can start looking for satisfaction and peace and and rest in satisfaction and peace and and rest in satisfaction and peace and and rest in other things besides him. And when we do other things besides him. And when we do other things besides him. And when we do that, I know what happens is you start that, I know what happens is you start that, I know what happens is you start to feel a distance between you and God. to feel a distance between you and God. to feel a distance between you and God. you drift away from him and you and that you drift away from him and you and that you drift away from him and you and that distance just widens further and distance just widens further and distance just widens further and further. And when it happens, it's it's further. And when it happens, it's it's further. And when it happens, it's it's easy to begin living the lie that says easy to begin living the lie that says easy to begin living the lie that says the distance you feel is because God is the distance you feel is because God is the distance you feel is because God is done with you, done with you, done with you, that he has stepped away. And so what that he has stepped away. And so what that he has stepped away. And so what happens is you pull back. You stop happens is you pull back. You stop happens is you pull back. You stop pursuing him because you assume he's pursuing him because you assume he's pursuing him because you assume he's just disappointed in you. You keep your just disappointed in you. You keep your just disappointed in you. You keep your distance from him because you feel distance from him because you feel distance from him because you feel shame. And over time, you just continue shame. And over time, you just continue shame. And over time, you just continue to drift believing that his grace has to drift believing that his grace has to drift believing that his grace has run out.

Can I just say from a personal testimony Can I just say from a personal testimony that is not the case? that is not the case? that is not the case? His grace is inexhaustible. His grace is inexhaustible. His grace is inexhaustible. It is always, always enough, and it is It is always, always enough, and it is It is always, always enough, and it is always for you. always for you. always for you. We talked about the spiritual We talked about the spiritual We talked about the spiritual disciplines. We got to understand that disciplines. We got to understand that disciplines. We got to understand that before we ever draw near to Christ, the before we ever draw near to Christ, the before we ever draw near to Christ, the reason we go to him through those reason we go to him through those reason we go to him through those disciplines, the reason we go and try to disciplines, the reason we go and try to disciplines, the reason we go and try to put ourselves in a position to see him, put ourselves in a position to see him, put ourselves in a position to see him, we got to realize that before we open we got to realize that before we open we got to realize that before we open our Bibles, before we bow our heads to our Bibles, before we bow our heads to our Bibles, before we bow our heads to pray, before we show up for worship, we pray, before we show up for worship, we pray, before we show up for worship, we need to realize he's already come near need to realize he's already come near need to realize he's already come near to us. to us. to us. He has already pursued us and welcomed He has already pursued us and welcomed He has already pursued us and welcomed us and made us his own in Christ. And so us and made us his own in Christ. And so us and made us his own in Christ. And so our pursuit of him is always a response our pursuit of him is always a response our pursuit of him is always a response to his pursuit of us. to his pursuit of us. to his pursuit of us. That's why I love Paul Trip. If you've That's why I love Paul Trip. If you've That's why I love Paul Trip. If you've ever read any of his devotionals, it ever read any of his devotionals, it ever read any of his devotionals, it just always kind of centers us back on just always kind of centers us back on just always kind of centers us back on this idea that God's grace is this idea that God's grace is this idea that God's grace is inexhaustible. inexhaustible. inexhaustible. He says this in one of his devotionals. He says this in one of his devotionals. He says this in one of his devotionals. He says, "No sin will make your savior He says, "No sin will make your savior He says, "No sin will make your savior turn away in disgust.

turn away in disgust. turn away in disgust. No weakness will make him want to give No weakness will make him want to give No weakness will make him want to give up. No struggle will make him feel his up. No struggle will make him feel his up. No struggle will make him feel his grace has been given in vain. No, he grace has been given in vain. No, he grace has been given in vain. No, he will not give up. will not forsake you. will not give up. will not forsake you. will not give up. will not forsake you. He will complete what he has begun. He will complete what he has begun. He will complete what he has begun. That is who Jesus is. He is a savior who That is who Jesus is. He is a savior who That is who Jesus is. He is a savior who seeks. He's a savior who saves. He's a seeks. He's a savior who saves. He's a seeks. He's a savior who saves. He's a savior who stays. And he finishes what savior who stays. And he finishes what savior who stays. And he finishes what he starts. he starts. he starts. What I love is when we get to the end of What I love is when we get to the end of What I love is when we get to the end of the story, we we've seen the message of the story, we we've seen the message of the story, we we've seen the message of grace, but now we get to see the power grace, but now we get to see the power grace, but now we get to see the power of grace. Because the moment Jesus of grace. Because the moment Jesus of grace. Because the moment Jesus stepped into Zakius's house, that work stepped into Zakius's house, that work stepped into Zakius's house, that work of grace began. of grace began. of grace began. And nothing about this man stays the And nothing about this man stays the And nothing about this man stays the same. This is the third movement. This same. This is the third movement. This same. This is the third movement. This is the part of the story I call a is the part of the story I call a is the part of the story I call a stunning salvation. stunning salvation. stunning salvation. Verse seven ends with the people Verse seven ends with the people Verse seven ends with the people grumbling because Jesus is going to be grumbling because Jesus is going to be grumbling because Jesus is going to be the guest of a sinner. the guest of a sinner. the guest of a sinner. Now, personally, I think there's a a Now, personally, I think there's a a Now, personally, I think there's a a good amount of time that passes between good amount of time that passes between good amount of time that passes between verse 7 and verse 8. I don't know how verse 7 and verse 8. I don't know how verse 7 and verse 8. I don't know how long. I don't know if it was minutes, long. I don't know if it was minutes, long. I don't know if it was minutes, hours, overnight. I'm not real sure. We hours, overnight. I'm not real sure. We hours, overnight. I'm not real sure. We don't know how long Jesus stayed or what don't know how long Jesus stayed or what don't know how long Jesus stayed or what conversation happened in the home of conversation happened in the home of conversation happened in the home of Zakius. But what we do know is that when Zakius. But what we do know is that when Zakius. But what we do know is that when we get to verse 8, Zakius comes out we get to verse 8, Zakius comes out we get to verse 8, Zakius comes out again and he's a new man.

again and he's a new man. again and he's a new man. He is changed by grace. He is changed by grace. He is changed by grace. Verse 8 says, he stood and said to the Verse 8 says, he stood and said to the Verse 8 says, he stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I've defrauded give to the poor. If I've defrauded give to the poor. If I've defrauded anyone of anything, news flash, that was anyone of anything, news flash, that was anyone of anything, news flash, that was his whole job. his whole job. his whole job. I'll restore it four-fold." And Jesus I'll restore it four-fold." And Jesus I'll restore it four-fold." And Jesus said, "Today salvation has come to this said, "Today salvation has come to this said, "Today salvation has come to this house since he also is a son of house since he also is a son of house since he also is a son of Abraham." This is what God's grace does Abraham." This is what God's grace does Abraham." This is what God's grace does to us. to us. to us. Don't don't don't misunderstand or or Don't don't don't misunderstand or or Don't don't don't misunderstand or or get the order out of whack here. This is get the order out of whack here. This is get the order out of whack here. This is not, "Oh, Zakius, you did those things, not, "Oh, Zakius, you did those things, not, "Oh, Zakius, you did those things, therefore, salvation has come." No, therefore, salvation has come." No, therefore, salvation has come." No, salvation has already come. And so, what salvation has already come. And so, what salvation has already come. And so, what we see is a heart that has been changed we see is a heart that has been changed we see is a heart that has been changed by grace, and it's declaring it through by grace, and it's declaring it through by grace, and it's declaring it through these actions. The first thing is Zakius these actions. The first thing is Zakius these actions. The first thing is Zakius is now standing before Jesus and in is now standing before Jesus and in is now standing before Jesus and in front of the whole crowd and he declares front of the whole crowd and he declares front of the whole crowd and he declares he is Lord. He's the master. he is Lord. He's the master. he is Lord. He's the master. He's no longer merely curious about He's no longer merely curious about He's no longer merely curious about Jesus. He's not just trying to catch a Jesus. He's not just trying to catch a Jesus. He's not just trying to catch a glimpse of Jesus. The man who climbed glimpse of Jesus. The man who climbed glimpse of Jesus. The man who climbed the tree is now bowing his life before the tree is now bowing his life before the tree is now bowing his life before Jesus and saying, "You are Lord."

Jesus and saying, "You are Lord." Jesus and saying, "You are Lord." That's that is what happens when we come That's that is what happens when we come That's that is what happens when we come in in contact with Jesus. And now in in contact with Jesus. And now in in contact with Jesus. And now everything that follows is the result of everything that follows is the result of everything that follows is the result of a heart that has been transformed by a heart that has been transformed by a heart that has been transformed by grace. And it's nothing short of grace. And it's nothing short of grace. And it's nothing short of stunning. The man who built his entire stunning. The man who built his entire stunning. The man who built his entire life around accumulation of wealth says, life around accumulation of wealth says, life around accumulation of wealth says, "I'm going to give away half of "I'm going to give away half of "I'm going to give away half of everything I own to the poor." The man everything I own to the poor." The man everything I own to the poor." The man who made that fortune by being a thief who made that fortune by being a thief who made that fortune by being a thief and a professional extortioner. What and a professional extortioner. What and a professional extortioner. What does he say? He says, "I'm going to does he say? He says, "I'm going to does he say? He says, "I'm going to repay anyone I defrauded four times the repay anyone I defrauded four times the repay anyone I defrauded four times the amount." amount." amount." Now, I'm not a mathematician, but if you Now, I'm not a mathematician, but if you Now, I'm not a mathematician, but if you do the math, do the math, do the math, giving away half of what you have, which giving away half of what you have, which giving away half of what you have, which all came from defrauding anybody, and all came from defrauding anybody, and all came from defrauding anybody, and then paying it back four-fold, Zakius is then paying it back four-fold, Zakius is then paying it back four-fold, Zakius is about to be broke. about to be broke. about to be broke. But he doesn't care because he's found a But he doesn't care because he's found a But he doesn't care because he's found a greater treasure. greater treasure. greater treasure. And that is really shocking when we see And that is really shocking when we see And that is really shocking when we see it in the context of Luke's gospel. it in the context of Luke's gospel. it in the context of Luke's gospel. Because if we go back just one chapter, Because if we go back just one chapter, Because if we go back just one chapter, we see a story of the rich young ruler. we see a story of the rich young ruler. we see a story of the rich young ruler. This is a man who comes to Jesus and This is a man who comes to Jesus and This is a man who comes to Jesus and says, "What must I do to inherit eternal says, "What must I do to inherit eternal says, "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" It's such a contrast to this life?" It's such a contrast to this life?" It's such a contrast to this story. But the rich young ruler, he story. But the rich young ruler, he story. But the rich young ruler, he couldn't let go of his wealth because it couldn't let go of his wealth because it couldn't let go of his wealth because it was his God. And yet we see Zakius was his God. And yet we see Zakius was his God. And yet we see Zakius gladly let go of his wealth because gladly let go of his wealth because gladly let go of his wealth because Christ was now his treasure.

Christ was now his treasure. Christ was now his treasure. They're everything that one another is. They're everything that one another is. They're everything that one another is. They're both rich. They're both known They're both rich. They're both known They're both rich. They're both known for their money, yet the outcomes are for their money, yet the outcomes are for their money, yet the outcomes are completely different. Why? It's not completely different. Why? It's not completely different. Why? It's not because Zakius was a better man. He's because Zakius was a better man. He's because Zakius was a better man. He's arguably a much worse man. The reason is arguably a much worse man. The reason is arguably a much worse man. The reason is grace has reached him in a way that grace has reached him in a way that grace has reached him in a way that leaves him unable to cling to the things leaves him unable to cling to the things leaves him unable to cling to the things he treasured before. he treasured before. he treasured before. Back in Luke 18, after this encounter Back in Luke 18, after this encounter Back in Luke 18, after this encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus says to with the rich young ruler, Jesus says to with the rich young ruler, Jesus says to his disciples, "It's easier for a camel his disciples, "It's easier for a camel his disciples, "It's easier for a camel to slip through the eye of a needle than to slip through the eye of a needle than to slip through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of for a rich man to enter the kingdom of for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." In other words, money and other God." In other words, money and other God." In other words, money and other idols have such a grip on our hearts. We idols have such a grip on our hearts. We idols have such a grip on our hearts. We hold them so tightly and we won't let hold them so tightly and we won't let hold them so tightly and we won't let go, not even to reach for Jesus. go, not even to reach for Jesus. go, not even to reach for Jesus. And the disciples, I think, felt that in And the disciples, I think, felt that in And the disciples, I think, felt that in their own hearts. I think they felt that their own hearts. I think they felt that their own hearts. I think they felt that to be true. And they say, "Well, then to be true. And they say, "Well, then to be true. And they say, "Well, then who can be saved?" Like if sin is so who can be saved?" Like if sin is so who can be saved?" Like if sin is so captive and so enticing captive and so enticing captive and so enticing that we can't let go of it, then who that we can't let go of it, then who that we can't let go of it, then who could ever enter the kingdom of God? And could ever enter the kingdom of God? And could ever enter the kingdom of God? And you know how Jesus answers that you know how Jesus answers that you know how Jesus answers that question?

question? question? He says, "What is impossible with man is He says, "What is impossible with man is He says, "What is impossible with man is possible with God?" possible with God?" possible with God?" It blows my mind that we just go one It blows my mind that we just go one It blows my mind that we just go one chapter over in scripture and we get to chapter over in scripture and we get to chapter over in scripture and we get to see what is possible with God. Zakius is see what is possible with God. Zakius is see what is possible with God. Zakius is what is possible with God. This is a what is possible with God. This is a what is possible with God. This is a rich man saved. This is an idol rich man saved. This is an idol rich man saved. This is an idol shattered, a greedy heart made generous, shattered, a greedy heart made generous, shattered, a greedy heart made generous, a thief turned into a restored, it's a a thief turned into a restored, it's a a thief turned into a restored, it's a sinner saved and transformed by grace. sinner saved and transformed by grace. sinner saved and transformed by grace. Here's what the story is showing us is Here's what the story is showing us is Here's what the story is showing us is that when Jesus saves someone, listen, that when Jesus saves someone, listen, that when Jesus saves someone, listen, they don't stay the same. No, his grace they don't stay the same. No, his grace they don't stay the same. No, his grace transforms who they are and how they transforms who they are and how they transforms who they are and how they live. live. live. I love that this is only 10 verses, but I love that this is only 10 verses, but I love that this is only 10 verses, but we get to see the moment of salvation, we get to see the moment of salvation, we get to see the moment of salvation, but we get to see the results. but we get to see the results. but we get to see the results. We get to see the power of God's grace We get to see the power of God's grace We get to see the power of God's grace to transform us from the inside out. Let to transform us from the inside out. Let to transform us from the inside out. Let me just quickly give you a few ways that me just quickly give you a few ways that me just quickly give you a few ways that God's grace changes us. Number one, it God's grace changes us. Number one, it God's grace changes us. Number one, it changes who we are. It changes who we changes who we are. It changes who we changes who we are. It changes who we are in Christ. Your identity is no are in Christ. Your identity is no are in Christ. Your identity is no longer the person who failed.

longer the person who failed. longer the person who failed. Your identity is no longer the person Your identity is no longer the person Your identity is no longer the person who can't seem to get it all together. who can't seem to get it all together. who can't seem to get it all together. No. In Christ, your identity is child of No. In Christ, your identity is child of No. In Christ, your identity is child of God who has been bought God who has been bought God who has been bought by the blood of Jesus. by the blood of Jesus. by the blood of Jesus. When Jesus says that Zakius is a son of When Jesus says that Zakius is a son of When Jesus says that Zakius is a son of Abraham, he's not just saying he was a Abraham, he's not just saying he was a Abraham, he's not just saying he was a Jewish man. No, he is declaring that Jewish man. No, he is declaring that Jewish man. No, he is declaring that Zakius by faith is now a part of the Zakius by faith is now a part of the Zakius by faith is now a part of the covenant family of God. That he is now covenant family of God. That he is now covenant family of God. That he is now part of God's family. And the same for part of God's family. And the same for part of God's family. And the same for us by his grace. When we accept Christ, us by his grace. When we accept Christ, us by his grace. When we accept Christ, he saves us into his family. He makes us he saves us into his family. He makes us he saves us into his family. He makes us co-airs with Christ to all the riches of co-airs with Christ to all the riches of co-airs with Christ to all the riches of heaven. Changes who we are. Grace heaven. Changes who we are. Grace heaven. Changes who we are. Grace changes the way we relate to one changes the way we relate to one changes the way we relate to one another. Grace is not a free pass to another. Grace is not a free pass to another. Grace is not a free pass to just keep sinning against one another. just keep sinning against one another. just keep sinning against one another. No, it's the freedom to confess sin No, it's the freedom to confess sin No, it's the freedom to confess sin and to make it right with one another. and to make it right with one another. and to make it right with one another. You see, we want grace to say, "Well, You see, we want grace to say, "Well, You see, we want grace to say, "Well, God forgives me, so therefore, I don't God forgives me, so therefore, I don't God forgives me, so therefore, I don't have to worry about the damage I cause. have to worry about the damage I cause. have to worry about the damage I cause. I don't have to I don't have to worry I don't have to I don't have to worry I don't have to I don't have to worry about who I hurt or what that what that about who I hurt or what that what that about who I hurt or what that what that does to their life. That's not real does to their life. That's not real does to their life. That's not real grace.

grace. grace. Real grace says God forgives me. So Real grace says God forgives me. So Real grace says God forgives me. So therefore, now I don't have the fear of therefore, now I don't have the fear of therefore, now I don't have the fear of condemnation. I don't have the fear of condemnation. I don't have the fear of condemnation. I don't have the fear of judgment, but I am free now to go to judgment, but I am free now to go to judgment, but I am free now to go to that person and seek forgiveness and to that person and seek forgiveness and to that person and seek forgiveness and to make it right. make it right. make it right. Just as Zakius did, we want to be quick Just as Zakius did, we want to be quick Just as Zakius did, we want to be quick to repent of our sin and take steps to repent of our sin and take steps to repent of our sin and take steps towards reconciliation with one another towards reconciliation with one another towards reconciliation with one another whenever it's possible. And it's grace whenever it's possible. And it's grace whenever it's possible. And it's grace that gives us the freedom and courage to that gives us the freedom and courage to that gives us the freedom and courage to do that in real life. This means that do that in real life. This means that do that in real life. This means that grace produces people who don't run from grace produces people who don't run from grace produces people who don't run from conversations, but they move towards conversations, but they move towards conversations, but they move towards them. them. them. If you've hurt someone, grace should If you've hurt someone, grace should If you've hurt someone, grace should give you the courage to say, "I was give you the courage to say, "I was give you the courage to say, "I was wrong." wrong." wrong." Be quick to confess and ask forgiveness Be quick to confess and ask forgiveness Be quick to confess and ask forgiveness without fear of condemnation. without fear of condemnation. without fear of condemnation. And on the other side, if you're the And on the other side, if you're the And on the other side, if you're the person who's been hurt, it's grace that person who's been hurt, it's grace that person who's been hurt, it's grace that removes the burden of having to carry removes the burden of having to carry removes the burden of having to carry that hurt or try to control it or try to that hurt or try to control it or try to that hurt or try to control it or try to avenge it. Because in Christ, God has avenge it. Because in Christ, God has avenge it. Because in Christ, God has received you and defended you and received you and defended you and received you and defended you and justified you. And so, you don't have to justified you. And so, you don't have to justified you. And so, you don't have to live in bitterness or try to fight for live in bitterness or try to fight for live in bitterness or try to fight for your own justice. your own justice. your own justice. Grace says you can forgive. Why? Because Grace says you can forgive. Why? Because Grace says you can forgive. Why? Because you've been forgiven.

you've been forgiven. you've been forgiven. And you can seek reconciliation when And you can seek reconciliation when And you can seek reconciliation when it's possible. And when it's not, you it's possible. And when it's not, you it's possible. And when it's not, you can still hand that over to God and let can still hand that over to God and let can still hand that over to God and let him be the judge. Because guess what? him be the judge. Because guess what? him be the judge. Because guess what? He's a better judge than we are anyway. He's a better judge than we are anyway. He's a better judge than we are anyway. I need to remember that if everything I need to remember that if everything I need to remember that if everything sinful about me, both past, present, and sinful about me, both past, present, and sinful about me, both past, present, and future, has been completely covered by future, has been completely covered by future, has been completely covered by the redemptive blood of Christ, then the redemptive blood of Christ, then the redemptive blood of Christ, then there should never be any sin or there should never be any sin or there should never be any sin or anything in my life that I don't feel anything in my life that I don't feel anything in my life that I don't feel the freedom to confess and ask for the freedom to confess and ask for the freedom to confess and ask for forgiveness. forgiveness. forgiveness. And in the same way, if everything And in the same way, if everything And in the same way, if everything sinful past, present, and future about sinful past, present, and future about sinful past, present, and future about me has been covered by the redemptive me has been covered by the redemptive me has been covered by the redemptive blood of Christ, then how in the world blood of Christ, then how in the world blood of Christ, then how in the world could I not extend forgiveness to could I not extend forgiveness to could I not extend forgiveness to others? Listen, grace is what allows us others? Listen, grace is what allows us others? Listen, grace is what allows us to become a people who say, "I sinned," to become a people who say, "I sinned," to become a people who say, "I sinned," but also a people who say, "I forgive." but also a people who say, "I forgive." but also a people who say, "I forgive." Because both of those are rooted in the Because both of those are rooted in the Because both of those are rooted in the freeing truth that Jesus has paid it all freeing truth that Jesus has paid it all freeing truth that Jesus has paid it all at the cross. at the cross. at the cross. And if you don't have sidebar here, And if you don't have sidebar here, And if you don't have sidebar here, sorry, I'm getting preaching here. If sorry, I'm getting preaching here. If sorry, I'm getting preaching here. If you don't have the type of community you don't have the type of community you don't have the type of community where you can actually experience that, where you can actually experience that, where you can actually experience that, where you can live out grace in that where you can live out grace in that where you can live out grace in that real way, where you can seek forgiveness real way, where you can seek forgiveness real way, where you can seek forgiveness and extend forgiveness to one another.

and extend forgiveness to one another. and extend forgiveness to one another. That's why we talk about Dgroups. That's That's why we talk about Dgroups. That's That's why we talk about Dgroups. That's why we encourage you to be in a small why we encourage you to be in a small why we encourage you to be in a small group here at Fellowship because that's group here at Fellowship because that's group here at Fellowship because that's what we want is we want you to have a what we want is we want you to have a what we want is we want you to have a community of other believers where you community of other believers where you community of other believers where you can practice living by God's grace in can practice living by God's grace in can practice living by God's grace in that way. Get in a D-group. Here's the that way. Get in a D-group. Here's the that way. Get in a D-group. Here's the last thing. Grace changes the things we last thing. Grace changes the things we last thing. Grace changes the things we treasure. Without Christ, we start treasure. Without Christ, we start treasure. Without Christ, we start naturally looking to other things to naturally looking to other things to naturally looking to other things to give us security and worth. Our money give us security and worth. Our money give us security and worth. Our money feels like safety to us. Our success feels like safety to us. Our success feels like safety to us. Our success feels like our identity. Our control feels like our identity. Our control feels like our identity. Our control feels like peace. feels like peace. feels like peace. Approval is happiness. And all of those Approval is happiness. And all of those Approval is happiness. And all of those things, we start to depend on them to things, we start to depend on them to things, we start to depend on them to hold our world together, but they're hold our world together, but they're hold our world together, but they're going to fail. And so, by his grace, going to fail. And so, by his grace, going to fail. And so, by his grace, Jesus breaks that illusion. We start to Jesus breaks that illusion. We start to Jesus breaks that illusion. We start to see those other things as what they see those other things as what they see those other things as what they truly are. They're good gifts, but truly are. They're good gifts, but truly are. They're good gifts, but they're terrible gods. They cannot carry they're terrible gods. They cannot carry they're terrible gods. They cannot carry the weight that we put on them to be our the weight that we put on them to be our the weight that we put on them to be our satisfaction, to be our peace. It's only satisfaction, to be our peace. It's only satisfaction, to be our peace. It's only meant to be him. And so by his grace, meant to be him. And so by his grace, meant to be him. And so by his grace, what he does is Jesus begins to turn our what he does is Jesus begins to turn our what he does is Jesus begins to turn our hearts to see him as our greatest hearts to see him as our greatest hearts to see him as our greatest treasure. What we have in him becomes treasure. What we have in him becomes treasure. What we have in him becomes more satisfying than anything money can more satisfying than anything money can more satisfying than anything money can buy. Becomes more secure than power or buy. Becomes more secure than power or buy. Becomes more secure than power or success.

success. success. I love the way Sinclair Ferguson puts I love the way Sinclair Ferguson puts I love the way Sinclair Ferguson puts this in his book, The Whole Christ. this in his book, The Whole Christ. this in his book, The Whole Christ. Here's what he says. Here's what he says. Here's what he says. He says, 'When we behold the glory of He says, 'When we behold the glory of He says, 'When we behold the glory of Christ in the gospel. That's what we've Christ in the gospel. That's what we've Christ in the gospel. That's what we've seen this morning. It reorders the loves seen this morning. It reorders the loves seen this morning. It reorders the loves of our hearts, so we delight in him of our hearts, so we delight in him of our hearts, so we delight in him supremely. And the other things that we supremely. And the other things that we supremely. And the other things that we have ruled our lives, they lose their have ruled our lives, they lose their have ruled our lives, they lose their enslaving power over us. enslaving power over us. enslaving power over us. Church, here's what I love. Church, here's what I love. Church, here's what I love. God in his grace, he doesn't just say, God in his grace, he doesn't just say, God in his grace, he doesn't just say, "Hey, stop loving those things." "Hey, stop loving those things." "Hey, stop loving those things." No, he gives us something better to No, he gives us something better to No, he gives us something better to love. He gives us someone better to love. He gives us someone better to love. He gives us someone better to love. He gives us Jesus. The one who love. He gives us Jesus. The one who love. He gives us Jesus. The one who holds all things together. The one who holds all things together. The one who holds all things together. The one who sought us and bought us by his blood. sought us and bought us by his blood. sought us and bought us by his blood. The one who forgives us fully, secures The one who forgives us fully, secures The one who forgives us fully, secures us completely, satisfies us deeply. I love this story because it is such a I love this story because it is such a beautiful picture of Jesus. beautiful picture of Jesus. beautiful picture of Jesus. Zakius's story is my story.

Because when I think about what it is to Because when I think about what it is to look for things in the world to give me look for things in the world to give me look for things in the world to give me satisfaction or rest and how satisfaction or rest and how satisfaction or rest and how disappointing that is, I know what that disappointing that is, I know what that disappointing that is, I know what that is. But I also know what it is to find is. But I also know what it is to find is. But I also know what it is to find peace and rest in Christ. peace and rest in Christ. peace and rest in Christ. When they said and they're planning out When they said and they're planning out When they said and they're planning out this series and said, "Hey, pick your this series and said, "Hey, pick your this series and said, "Hey, pick your favorite story." favorite story." favorite story." How could it not be this one? Like if How could it not be this one? Like if How could it not be this one? Like if I've got one bullet, this is the shot I've got one bullet, this is the shot I've got one bullet, this is the shot I'm taking. It's all about Jesus. I'm taking. It's all about Jesus. I'm taking. It's all about Jesus. I said, "I want you to see Jesus this I said, "I want you to see Jesus this I said, "I want you to see Jesus this morning. I do not want you to hear this morning. I do not want you to hear this morning. I do not want you to hear this story and remember a short man. Not story and remember a short man. Not story and remember a short man. Not Zakius and not me. Zakius and not me. Zakius and not me. I want you to remember Jesus. I want you to remember Jesus. I want you to remember Jesus. He is the very embodiment of God's love He is the very embodiment of God's love He is the very embodiment of God's love towards us. He is the son of God who towards us. He is the son of God who towards us. He is the son of God who came into our world to seek and to save came into our world to seek and to save came into our world to seek and to save the lost. He's the one who's not the lost. He's the one who's not the lost. He's the one who's not surprised or repelled by your sin, but surprised or repelled by your sin, but surprised or repelled by your sin, but in his grace, he moves toward you and he in his grace, he moves toward you and he in his grace, he moves toward you and he calls you by name and re and says, calls you by name and re and says, calls you by name and re and says, "Receive me joyfully." "Receive me joyfully." "Receive me joyfully." He is the one who gave himself as a He is the one who gave himself as a He is the one who gave himself as a sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt sacrifice on the cross to pay the debt of sin. The one who was resurrected and of sin. The one who was resurrected and of sin. The one who was resurrected and now sits on the throne ruling over all now sits on the throne ruling over all now sits on the throne ruling over all things. He is Jesus.

things. He is Jesus. things. He is Jesus. Church, can we just be amazed by Jesus. Church, can we just be amazed by Jesus. Church, can we just be amazed by Jesus. Can we be in awe of his grace? If you've Can we be in awe of his grace? If you've Can we be in awe of his grace? If you've never done so, believe in him. never done so, believe in him. never done so, believe in him. back in Mamel on my desk. There's a back in Mamel on my desk. There's a back in Mamel on my desk. There's a little note card and it's a it's a little note card and it's a it's a little note card and it's a it's a prayer that is centuries old prayer that is centuries old prayer that is centuries old and it says, and it says, and it says, "Lord, I want to see you more clearly. "Lord, I want to see you more clearly. "Lord, I want to see you more clearly. I want to love you more dearly and I I want to love you more dearly and I I want to love you more dearly and I want to follow you more nearly day by want to follow you more nearly day by want to follow you more nearly day by day." day." day." Church, would you pray that with me this Church, would you pray that with me this Church, would you pray that with me this morning? Let's pray together. Lord, as we come to your word, we get to Lord, as we come to your word, we get to see such a beautiful picture of your see such a beautiful picture of your see such a beautiful picture of your son, Jesus, son, Jesus, son, Jesus, a son of God who came to seek and to a son of God who came to seek and to a son of God who came to seek and to save the lost. save the lost. save the lost. And Lord, all we can do is just sit in And Lord, all we can do is just sit in And Lord, all we can do is just sit in awe of you and say, "Thank you for your awe of you and say, "Thank you for your awe of you and say, "Thank you for your grace. Thank you for this picture of Jesus, of Thank you for this picture of Jesus, of who he is and what he has done, what he who he is and what he has done, what he who he is and what he has done, what he can do to save.

can do to save. can do to save. Lord, we want to see him more clearly. Lord, we want to see him more clearly. Lord, we want to see him more clearly. Because when we see him, Lord, we can't Because when we see him, Lord, we can't Because when we see him, Lord, we can't help but love him. We can't help but be help but love him. We can't help but be help but love him. We can't help but be thankful for his grace. thankful for his grace. thankful for his grace. And Lord, may that love well up inside And Lord, may that love well up inside And Lord, may that love well up inside of us in a way that produces obedience of us in a way that produces obedience of us in a way that produces obedience and joy to follow you. and joy to follow you. and joy to follow you. We want to see you more clearly. We want We want to see you more clearly. We want We want to see you more clearly. We want to love you more dearly, Lord. We want to love you more dearly, Lord. We want to love you more dearly, Lord. We want to follow you more nearly day by day. to follow you more nearly day by day. to follow you more nearly day by day. We pray that in the name of Jesus. Amen. We pray that in the name of Jesus. Amen. We pray that in the name of Jesus. Amen. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want to talk to needing prayer or you want to talk to needing prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, someone about your walk with Jesus, someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at reach out to us at reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.