Notes From the Pastor's Desk
February 8, 2026
What A Difference When Jesus Passes By
Read Luke 19:1-10. This is the account of the conversion of Zacchaeus. He did not know Jesus but he was given a desire to know Christ and follow Him. This change necessitated Jesus passing by.
I. His Profession
(v. 2) Zacchaeus was a publican or a tax collector. This was a hated and despised profession because they often treated their tax clients dishonestly. In fact, he was a chief among the publicans. That did not help him at all with the people.
II. His Problem
(v. 3). He could not see Jesus for the press. People were so crowded in to get a glimpse of Christ that short Zacchaeus was not able to see above the shoulders of the crowd. If a man is going to be saved, he must see who Jesus is in order to trust Him.
III. His Plan
(v. 4). The short man decided if he had to, he would climb a tree if it would give him clear vision of Christ. He was desperate to see Christ. More people would come to the Lord if they would get desperate in their search. Too many people do not care if they see Jesus by faith or whether they don't.
IV. His Privilege
(v. 5) First, Jesus called His name. What a blessed day when Christ came to you and to me and called our name! There was no mistaking who Jesus was addressing. Secondly, Jesus communicated urgency. The Lord said to Zacchaeus, “Make haste and come down.” Thirdly, Christ came to his house. No house is the same that Jesus enters into for He transforms the lives involved.
V. His Possession
(v. 6) He made haste and came down. Jesus was going to his house with him. When you are saved, the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, moves into your house, the house of your body (Rom. 12:1,2). Zacchaeus received the Lord. John 1:12 tells us that is what it takes to become a child of God. Not only did he receive the Lord, he received him gladly. The word “gladly” means “cheerfully and with great pleasure.” It was no doubt the greatest, most memorable time in the life of the tax collector.
VI. His Proof
(v. 8) Notice the evidence of his repentance of evil in this verse. He was ready to give half of his possessions to the poor and to restore four times what he had swindled from people.
VII. His Pardon
(vv. 9,10) Salvation came to the house of Zacchaeus. Jesus is able to save. He came to save. He is willing to save all that come unto God by Him. Bless the Lord! Jesus wanted us! Thank God for the day Christ passed by in salvation to our lives!