The
Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
Luke 19 [8.] Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.”
Luke 19 [9.] Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19 [11.] As they heard these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that God’s Kingdom would be revealed immediately. He said therefore, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called ten servants of his, and gave them ten mina coins, and told them, ‘Conduct business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to reign over us.’
Meaning:
- Seeking the Lost:
Jesus’s initiative to seek out those who are lost signifies God's proactive love. Just as He sought Zacchaeus, Jesus actively reaches out to those marginalized by society and separated from God by sin. This seeking is rooted in love and compassion, emphasizing that no one is beyond God's reach.
- Saving the Lost:
The term "save" in this context refers to delivering from sin and its consequences. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection are the means by which this salvation is accomplished. He saves individuals from the spiritual death that sin brings and offers eternal life.
Theological Implications:
God’s Love and Grace: This verse underscores the boundless love and grace of God. Despite Zacchaeus's sinful life, Jesus extends grace to him, illustrating that salvation is not earned by merit but given by grace. This reflects the broader biblical theme found in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.”
Universal Scope of Salvation: Jesus’s mission to seek and save the lost is inclusive. It transcends social, economic, and cultural barriers, highlighting that everyone is valuable to God. This inclusiveness is echoed in John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
Transformation through Encounter: Zacchaeus’s story shows that encountering Jesus leads to genuine transformation. His repentance and restitution are outward signs of an inward change brought about by Jesus's acceptance and love. This transformation is a critical aspect of salvation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.”
Practical Applications:
Embracing Jesus’s Mission: As followers of Christ, we are called to continue His mission of seeking and saving the lost. This involves reaching out to those marginalized or separated from God, sharing the message of salvation, and demonstrating God’s love through our actions.
Living Out Grace and Forgiveness: Just as Jesus showed grace to Zacchaeus, we are called to extend grace and forgiveness to others. This means not judging others by their past but believing in the possibility of transformation through Christ.
Reflection:
Reflecting on our own lives, we should consider how we have experienced Jesus seeking and saving us. This gratitude should inspire us to live lives that honor Him and to share our testimonies with others.
Engaging with the Marginalized: Jesus’s interaction with Zacchaeus encourages us to engage with those who are often overlooked or despised by society. This could mean volunteering, building relationships with the marginalized, or advocating for justice and compassion in our communities.
In conclusion, Luke 19:10 is a powerful declaration of Jesus's purpose: to seek and to save the lost. It highlights the proactive love of God, the inclusiveness of salvation, and the transformative power of an encounter with Christ. This verse challenges us to embrace Jesus’s mission, extend grace and forgiveness, and engage with those who need to experience the love of God. As we reflect on this passage, let us be inspired to live out the call to seek and save the lost in our own lives, embodying the love and compassion of Jesus in all that we do.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible