We can learn some great truths about seeking the lost to save, by following the example of Jesus with Zacchaeus.

Jesus passed through but he didn’t pass by, Lk 19:1.  “Jesus entered and passed through Jericho”.  Often, when we are doing our daily routines, passing through the store, passing through the office, or passing through wherever, we pass by many who may be interested in Jesus.  Slow down and realize that there may be someone in your path the Lord wants you to talk to about Jesus.  Don’t pass by them.

Jesus didn’t cull this rich man, Lk 19:2.  “Behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich”.  Jesus didn’t “cull” this man who was rich.  In Lk 18, Jesus told us how hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. In Lk 16 we see a rich man burning in hell.  And in Jas 2:5-7 we see a strong testimony against favoring rich men.

Jesus didn’t hold Zacchaeus’s wealth against him, nor was he intimidated by his wealth and status.  We are often intimidated by wealth and status and avoid talking to rich people about Jesus.  We cull them.  And we excuse ourselves from witnessing when we’re prompted by the Holy Spirit.  We judge that certain people probably don’t want to hear about Jesus, anyway.  We decide for them.  We cull them.  Don’t do this.

Jesus looked up and saw him, Lk 19:5.  “When Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him”.  Obviously, Jesus looked up because Zacchaeus was in the tree.  But we must, in a sense, look up to see who God wants us to see in a crowd.  Otherwise, we will only see who we see and what others want us to see.

We won’t know who God is leading us to if we don’t “look up”.  God led Philip to the Ethiopian.  God led Ananias to Saul.  And God led Peter to Cornelius.  Jesus is still doing the seeking and saving, but he’s going to use us like he was used when he was here.

Jesus sat down with the man, Lk 19:5-7.  He said, “I must abide at thy house”.  Others said, “he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner”.  You must spend time with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc.  Jesus had the reputation that he was a “friend of publicans and sinners”.  They said, “this man receiveth sinners and eateth with them”, Lk 15:2.

Our trouble is that we want to spend our time with each other.  And our fellowship is sweet, indeed.  However, we need to spend time with sinners, as well.  It’s not so easy to get into their houses these days.  So, invite them to come to your house for coffee or a meal.  Or take them out to eat.

Jesus listened to the man’s response, Lk 19:8.  You can’t see what Jesus and Zacchaeus talked about while they were together.  But you can see what Zacchaeus said.  And based on his confession, Jesus proclaimed his salvation.

What people say reveals what’s going on in their heart.  In witnessing, there is a spiritual work that must be accomplished by the Lord.  And you have to give him time to get that work done.  And you must listen to see what the Lord has done.

Often, we’re only concerned with what we’re going to say.  And often, soul winners do all the talking and then lead the sinner to repeat a prayer “after me”.  That’s why soul winners can only say, he made a profession of faith”.  They don’t really know whether he got saved or not.  By contrast, Jesus confidently proclaimed Zacchaeus’s salvation.

Conclusion: when you’re out and about and when you’re dealing with folks, remember the example of Jesus.  And follow the example of Jesus.