June 25th, 2025
by Dalton Jenkins
by Dalton Jenkins
You Must Be Born Again
Jesus is Coming to Your House: The Transformative Power of a Personal Encounter
When Jesus encounters someone, lives change forever. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 shows us how Jesus seeks out those who are searching for Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Who Was Zacchaeus and Why Did He Want to See Jesus?
Zacchaeus was a tax collector - a profession despised by most people in his day. Tax collectors were known for collecting more than required and keeping the difference for themselves. Beyond his unpopular profession, Zacchaeus had another challenge - he was short in stature.
Despite these limitations, Zacchaeus was curious and eager to see Jesus. He had heard about the miracles Jesus performed and wanted to witness this remarkable man for himself. When he heard Jesus was passing through Jericho, he was determined to see Him, no matter what obstacles stood in his way.
What Prevents Us From Seeing Jesus?
Are you preventing someone from seeing Jesus?
Sometimes we can become so consumed with ourselves that we end up blocking others from seeing Him. We must remain conscious that there are people in the world who desperately need Jesus.
How Far Will You Go to See Jesus?
Zacchaeus didn't let anything stop him from seeing Jesus. When faced with obstacles, he got creative - he climbed a sycamore tree to position himself where he could see over the crowd.
What are you willing to sacrifice to see Jesus? Zacchaeus didn't care if people laughed at him. He ignored the shame because his desire to see Jesus was greater than his concern for what others thought.
If you truly want to encounter Jesus, you must be willing to get creative and overcome whatever barriers stand in your way. Maybe you need to:
Why Does Jesus Want to Come to Your House?
When Jesus spotted Zacchaeus in the tree, He didn't just acknowledge him from a distance. Instead, He said, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."
Jesus didn't want a casual encounter - He wanted to enter Zacchaeus's personal space, his place of comfort and safety. Your "house" represents:
Jesus isn't just passing by; He's stopping at your address today. He wants to enter the most intimate areas of your life - not to condemn you, but to transform you from the inside out.
Can My Status or Wealth Save Me?
The Bible specifically mentions that Zacchaeus was rich. Yet his wealth couldn't satisfy his spiritual curiosity or buy him access to Jesus. He had to humble himself like everyone else.
Mark 10:25 reminds us that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." This isn't because wealth itself is evil, but because riches often become our gods and crutches. We depend on them rather than on God.
Many wealthy and powerful people think they don't need Jesus. When life is comfortable, it's easy to forget our spiritual needs. But Proverbs tells us that "riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death."
How Does Jesus Reach Us Where We Are?
Jesus can break through any barrier that prevents you from seeing Him - cultural barriers, physical barriers, emotional barriers, financial barriers. Romans 5:8 reminds us that "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Jesus didn't wait until you decided to change before He died for you. He died for you before you were even born. You can't escape His presence or His love. As Psalm 139:7-8 says, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there."
What Happens When Jesus Comes to Your House?
When Jesus enters your life, transformation follows naturally. Notice that Jesus didn't have to preach repentance to Zacchaeus. The Holy Spirit convicted him through Jesus' presence alone.
After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus immediately declared, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." This wasn't Jesus demanding change - it was Zacchaeus responding to grace.
When you truly encounter Jesus:
Acts 3:19 says, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." True repentance means there must be a distinction between who you were and who you are becoming in Christ.
Life Application
Jesus is waiting for you today. He's not waiting for you to clean up your life first. He's not intimidated by your past, your reputation, or your mistakes. He wants to come to your house - not just your physical building, but your heart, mind, and entire life.
Will you let Him in today? Will you come down from whatever tree you've climbed or whatever you're hiding behind to meet Him face to face?
Ask yourself these questions this week:
Don't delay. Jesus says to you, "Make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." When you take that step toward Him, He will declare, "Today salvation has come to this house."
When Jesus encounters someone, lives change forever. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 shows us how Jesus seeks out those who are searching for Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances.
Who Was Zacchaeus and Why Did He Want to See Jesus?
Zacchaeus was a tax collector - a profession despised by most people in his day. Tax collectors were known for collecting more than required and keeping the difference for themselves. Beyond his unpopular profession, Zacchaeus had another challenge - he was short in stature.
Despite these limitations, Zacchaeus was curious and eager to see Jesus. He had heard about the miracles Jesus performed and wanted to witness this remarkable man for himself. When he heard Jesus was passing through Jericho, he was determined to see Him, no matter what obstacles stood in his way.
What Prevents Us From Seeing Jesus?
- Like Zacchaeus, many of us face barriers that prevent us from encountering Jesus:
- The crowd - Sometimes other people block our view of Jesus
- Physical limitations - Our own personal challenges can seem insurmountable
- Reputation - Our past mistakes or how others perceive us can make us feel unworthy
- Status and riches - Wealth and comfort can create a false sense of security
Are you preventing someone from seeing Jesus?
Sometimes we can become so consumed with ourselves that we end up blocking others from seeing Him. We must remain conscious that there are people in the world who desperately need Jesus.
How Far Will You Go to See Jesus?
Zacchaeus didn't let anything stop him from seeing Jesus. When faced with obstacles, he got creative - he climbed a sycamore tree to position himself where he could see over the crowd.
What are you willing to sacrifice to see Jesus? Zacchaeus didn't care if people laughed at him. He ignored the shame because his desire to see Jesus was greater than his concern for what others thought.
If you truly want to encounter Jesus, you must be willing to get creative and overcome whatever barriers stand in your way. Maybe you need to:
- Find a quiet place when everyone else is asleep
- Take a walk somewhere peaceful
- Visit the church during a quiet time
- Create space in your busy schedule
Why Does Jesus Want to Come to Your House?
When Jesus spotted Zacchaeus in the tree, He didn't just acknowledge him from a distance. Instead, He said, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."
Jesus didn't want a casual encounter - He wanted to enter Zacchaeus's personal space, his place of comfort and safety. Your "house" represents:
- Your place of comfort
- Your place of safety
- Your place of solitude
- Your private life
Jesus isn't just passing by; He's stopping at your address today. He wants to enter the most intimate areas of your life - not to condemn you, but to transform you from the inside out.
Can My Status or Wealth Save Me?
The Bible specifically mentions that Zacchaeus was rich. Yet his wealth couldn't satisfy his spiritual curiosity or buy him access to Jesus. He had to humble himself like everyone else.
Mark 10:25 reminds us that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." This isn't because wealth itself is evil, but because riches often become our gods and crutches. We depend on them rather than on God.
Many wealthy and powerful people think they don't need Jesus. When life is comfortable, it's easy to forget our spiritual needs. But Proverbs tells us that "riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death."
How Does Jesus Reach Us Where We Are?
Jesus can break through any barrier that prevents you from seeing Him - cultural barriers, physical barriers, emotional barriers, financial barriers. Romans 5:8 reminds us that "God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Jesus didn't wait until you decided to change before He died for you. He died for you before you were even born. You can't escape His presence or His love. As Psalm 139:7-8 says, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there."
What Happens When Jesus Comes to Your House?
When Jesus enters your life, transformation follows naturally. Notice that Jesus didn't have to preach repentance to Zacchaeus. The Holy Spirit convicted him through Jesus' presence alone.
After encountering Jesus, Zacchaeus immediately declared, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." This wasn't Jesus demanding change - it was Zacchaeus responding to grace.
When you truly encounter Jesus:
- Your behavior changes
- You repent of your sins
- You can't remain the same
- Your priorities shift
Acts 3:19 says, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out." True repentance means there must be a distinction between who you were and who you are becoming in Christ.
Life Application
Jesus is waiting for you today. He's not waiting for you to clean up your life first. He's not intimidated by your past, your reputation, or your mistakes. He wants to come to your house - not just your physical building, but your heart, mind, and entire life.
Will you let Him in today? Will you come down from whatever tree you've climbed or whatever you're hiding behind to meet Him face to face?
Ask yourself these questions this week:
- What barriers am I allowing to prevent me from seeing Jesus clearly?
- If Jesus walked beside me today and said, "I'm coming to your house," what would I wish I could change?
- Am I willing to ignore what others might think in order to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly?
- What areas of my life have I not fully surrendered to Jesus?
Don't delay. Jesus says to you, "Make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house." When you take that step toward Him, He will declare, "Today salvation has come to this house."
Devotional
Day 1: The Seeking Heart
Devotional: Have you ever felt like you were on the outside looking in? Like everyone else belonged, but you were somehow different? Zacchaeus knew this feeling all too well. Though wealthy, he was isolated and scorned. But something deeper stirred—he wanted to see Jesus. That longing led him to climb a tree, risking dignity for a glimpse of the Savior. Our spiritual growth often begins with this same hunger to see Jesus, no matter the cost.
Bible Verse: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Quote: "I don't know what your sycamore tree is, but there is a sycamore tree, something that you can step upon and look in the face of Jesus."
Prayer: Lord, give me a seeking heart like Zacchaeus. Help me overcome any barriers that keep me from seeing You more clearly. Grant me the courage to step out of my comfort zone to draw closer to You. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt – The Seeking Heart
* Reverence: Lord, You are the One who seeks and saves the lost. You loved me before I ever sought You. You are merciful and kind.
* Response: I admit that I often seek comfort more than Your presence. I surrender my pride and fear that keep me from pursuing You.
* Requests: Give me a renewed desire to see You. Show me where I need to “climb” to meet You today.
* Readiness: Today, I will seek opportunities to get closer to Jesus—even if it means discomfort or humility.
Day 2: Beyond Barriers
Devotional: Barriers—whether emotional, spiritual, or cultural—often separate us from experiencing God’s presence. But Jesus sees beyond them, as He did with Zacchaeus. His love overcomes all obstacles to meet us right where we are.
Bible Verse: “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” – Ephesians 2:13
Quote: "Jesus can break through any barrier that is before you from seeing Him...cultural, physical, emotional, financial."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me recognize and overcome the barriers that separate me from You. Thank You that Your love is stronger than any obstacle. Give me faith to trust in Your power to break through every barrier. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt – Beyond Barriers
* Reverence: Lord, You are the God who brings the outsider near. Nothing is impossible for You.
* Response: I confess that I sometimes see my problems as bigger than Your power. Forgive my limited faith.
* Requests: Break down the barriers in my heart and mind. Remove what hinders me from full communion with You.
* Readiness: I will trust You to overcome the obstacles in my life and move forward in faith today.
Day 3: The Divine Invitation
Devotional: When Jesus invited Himself into Zacchaeus’s home, it was more than hospitality—it was grace. Jesus desires to come into our lives too—not when we’re “fixed,” but as we are. His invitation is personal, loving, and transformative.
Bible Verse: “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…” – Revelation 3:20
Quote: "Jesus is not waiting for you to clean up yourself first… He’s coming to your house—your heart, your mind, and your life."
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your invitation to relationship. Help me open every door of my life to You, holding nothing back. Transform me from the inside out. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt – The Divine Invitation
* Reverence: Lord Jesus, You are the gentle Savior who knocks. You desire relationship, not ritual. You love me as I am.
* Response: I acknowledge the closed doors in my life. I open them to You now—every hidden room.
* Requests: Come into the deepest places of my heart. Take full residence in my thoughts, emotions, and actions.
* Readiness: I will welcome Your presence today with joy and honesty, trusting You to dwell in every area of my life.
Day 4: The Power of Transformation
Devotional: Zacchaeus didn’t just meet Jesus—he changed. He gave away wealth and made things right. When we encounter Christ, transformation is natural. Repentance and love lead us to live differently—not out of obligation, but because our hearts have been made new.
Bible Verse: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” – Acts 3:19
Quote: "Our repented life cannot be the same as the unrepentant life… It got to be a change. It got to be a distinction."
Prayer: Lord, continue Your transforming work in my life. Help me respond to Your love with genuine change. Make me more like You each day. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt – The Power of Transformation
* Reverence: Father, You are the God who renews. You give new life and wash away sin. You refresh those who repent.
* Response: I turn from self-centeredness and cling to Your mercy. I invite You to keep changing me.
* Requests: Transform my character, my choices, and my relationships. Let my life reflect You more each day.
* Readiness: I will live today as someone being transformed, choosing what honors You over what comforts me.
Day 5: Living Different
Devotional: Zacchaeus’s life after meeting Jesus wasn’t the same. His transformation touched every part of his world. So must ours. A life marked by Christ should stand out—not in perfection, but in authenticity, love, and holy distinctiveness.
Bible Verse: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” – Isaiah 43:1
Quote: "You don’t have to be like the other folks… The light that shines from you must be different."
Prayer: Father, help me live in a way that clearly shows Your transforming power. Let Your light shine through me so others may see You. Use my changed life to draw others to You. Amen.
6:4 Prayer Prompt – Living Different
* Reverence: God, You are the Redeemer who calls me by name. I belong to You. You set me apart for Your glory.
* Response: I surrender my desire to fit in. I want to reflect You, not the world.
* Requests: Let Your light shine through my words and actions. Help me live in such a way that others are drawn to You.
* Readiness: I will live boldly and differently today, empowered by Your Spirit, and committed to Your call.
Summary
This sermon focuses on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, using it to illustrate how Jesus desires a personal relationship with everyone, regardless of their past or current circumstances. The pastor emphasizes that Jesus wants to 'come to your house' - not just physically, but to enter into the most intimate parts of our lives. He stresses that wealth, status, and reputation cannot bring salvation, only a genuine relationship with Jesus can transform lives.
Intro Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we gather to discuss Your Word and the story of Zacchaeus, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other as we examine our own lives and our relationship with You. Guide our discussion and help us to grow closer to You through it. Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?
Key Verses
Luke 19:5
Luke 19:9-10
Romans 5:8
Ephesians 2:13
Questions
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been keeping Jesus at a distance. Make a conscious effort to 'invite Him in' to that area through prayer, Bible study, and intentional changes in your behavior. Document how this invitation impacts your daily life and relationship with Him.
Key Takeaways
Your status and riches cannot bring salvation - only a genuine relationship with Jesus can
Jesus will reach you no matter where you are or what your past contains
Jesus desires a personal encounter with everyone, not just a surface-level relationship
True transformation requires change and repentance when we encounter Jesus
No one is beyond God's reach or too far gone for His salvation
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for seeking us out just as You sought Zacchaeus. Help us to be willing to come down from whatever trees we've climbed and welcome You into every area of our lives. Give us the courage to make necessary changes and the strength to follow You wholeheartedly. May we experience the same transformation that Zacchaeus did when he encountered You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
This sermon focuses on the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, using it to illustrate how Jesus desires a personal relationship with everyone, regardless of their past or current circumstances. The pastor emphasizes that Jesus wants to 'come to your house' - not just physically, but to enter into the most intimate parts of our lives. He stresses that wealth, status, and reputation cannot bring salvation, only a genuine relationship with Jesus can transform lives.
Intro Prayer
Lord Jesus, as we gather to discuss Your Word and the story of Zacchaeus, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be honest with ourselves and each other as we examine our own lives and our relationship with You. Guide our discussion and help us to grow closer to You through it. Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could have dinner with any person from history, who would it be and why?
Key Verses
Luke 19:5
Luke 19:9-10
Romans 5:8
Ephesians 2:13
Questions
- What barriers or obstacles might prevent people from seeking Jesus today?
- How does Zacchaeus's determination to see Jesus despite obstacles challenge us in our own faith journey?
- What does it mean for Jesus to 'come to your house'? How is this different from just attending church?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to reach out to someone like Zacchaeus, who was despised by society?
- How did Zacchaeus's encounter with Jesus change him? What specific actions showed his transformation?
- What role does wealth play in our relationship with God? How can it help or hinder our faith?
- What areas of your life might Jesus be asking to 'come into' right now?
- How can we maintain a genuine relationship with Jesus in our daily lives?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been keeping Jesus at a distance. Make a conscious effort to 'invite Him in' to that area through prayer, Bible study, and intentional changes in your behavior. Document how this invitation impacts your daily life and relationship with Him.
Key Takeaways
Your status and riches cannot bring salvation - only a genuine relationship with Jesus can
Jesus will reach you no matter where you are or what your past contains
Jesus desires a personal encounter with everyone, not just a surface-level relationship
True transformation requires change and repentance when we encounter Jesus
No one is beyond God's reach or too far gone for His salvation
Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for seeking us out just as You sought Zacchaeus. Help us to be willing to come down from whatever trees we've climbed and welcome You into every area of our lives. Give us the courage to make necessary changes and the strength to follow You wholeheartedly. May we experience the same transformation that Zacchaeus did when he encountered You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Dalton Jenkins
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