One
of the many beloved “Sunday School” lessons involves the “wee little man” named
Zacchaeus. In Luke 19:1-10, we read the story that he wanted to see Jesus. He
climbed up in a sycamore tree to see over the heads of the crowd due to his
small stature. Despite the immense crowd, Jesus singles him out, approaches the
tree, and engages Zacchaeus in conversation.
The
dialogue was convincing as we see Jesus helping Zacchaeus to come down out of
the tree. As the story ends, Jesus walks with Zacchaeus to his home. Once
there, more fellowship, discussion and a meal is shared.
Most
importantly, in verses 8 and 9, we
hear the impact of Jesus in his life. Zacchaeus has a change of heart.
He amends for his past and presents a course of action in which to prove the
sincerity of his confession and repentance. Jesus affirms that change by saying
“Today salvation has come to this house….”
Interesting,
to me, is what Jesus said next in verse 10: “For
the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus did not say we are
to “judge” the lost, “criticize” the lost or shame the lost into a confession or try to manipulate Scripture in order to “scare
them out of hell.”
There
is nothing “militant” in the Bible that authorizes us with “attacking” a
non-believer in hopes to corner them and then interrogate them into making a
confession of being a sinner in need of repenting and “asking Jesus into their
heart.”
My
“Zacchaeus Principle” is just the opposite. It is FIRST getting “Zacchaeus”
(unbelievers) to want to come “down, out of the tree.” We get them “down, out of the tree” by
approaching them in friendship, compassion, and willingness to associate with
them and engage them in conversation.
It’s taking them to dinner or having them over
for dinner. It is taking interest and showing interest in who they are and
where they are in life. Showing genuine compassion for one’s neighbor, meeting
felt-needs, and showing a consistent pattern of behavior to gain trust.
By
engaging Zacchaeus with genuine love, concern, and attention, Jesus was able to
“reach” down into the heart and soul of Zacchaeus. Having an encounter with
Jesus will change your life.
We
are to do the same. Lead others to Christ by engaging them and becoming
involved in their life with genuine care and concern. Building trust and
showering them with the attributes of Jesus will lead them to Christ.
Don’t
be in a hurry. The Bible doesn’t say we must “win them” on the first encounter.
We are not called to win debates or arguments either. Bombarding them with
Bible verses and trying to convict them with shame will usually never work. Be
like Jesus and engage with the unsaved using the “Zacchaeus Principle” to help
them down out of the tree!