Why Have a Relationship with Jesus?

1. Read: Luke 19:1-10

2. About the Text:

1) This is the story of Zacchaeus.

2) He has heard of Jesus, and he wants to meet Jesus.

3) He has a problem: he can’t see Jesus because there are so many around Him.

4) So he climbs a sycamore tree to see.

5) As Jesus passes by, He says, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”

3. A relationship with Jesus?

1) Zacchaeus wanted to have a relationship with Jesus.

2) Do we want one? We should.

3) Let’s talk about why we should want a relationship with Jesus.

4. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. He made this very clear to Zacchaeus.

2. Jesus can have a relationship with everyone because of Who He is.

1) John 1:1-2

2) Colossians 1:15-17

3) The very God of heaven, the Creator, wants to be a personal friend with you.

3. Jesus wants to have a relationship with everyone.

1) He proved it by going to the cross for all sinners.

2) 1 Tim.2:4-6 – “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

3) 2 Cor.5:14-15 – “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”

4. Jesus wants to have a relationship with you, personally.

1) John 14:23 – “Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

2) Revelation 3:20 – “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

1. The multitudes complained about Jesus because he went to Zacchaeus house.

2. Jesus was known for being impartial.

1) Luke 20:21 – “So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God.”

2) Acts 10:34-35 – “So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”

3. Jesus taught us not to judge by the outward appearance.

1) John 7:24 – “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.”

2) James 2:1 – “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”

4. Jesus doesn’t care what other people think about you, and that is the kind of relationship you want to have.

5. This doesn’t mean that Jesus isn’t going to talk to you about your sins.

1) Jesus spoke to Zacchaeus about his sins.

2) Zacchaeus repented, and made restitution for his ill-gotten gain.

1. Fundamentally, Jesus knew who Zacchaeus was.

1) He had lost his identity pursuing worldly wealth.

2) Jesus reminded him that he was a child of Abraham.

2. Today, our identity is established in Jesus.

1) Galatians 2:20 – “I am crucified with Christ….”

2) Phil.1:21 – “For to me to live is Christ….”

3. Having a relationship with Jesus is not about what we can get out of it, but who we can be with Him

1) Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

2) Matthew 11:28-29 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

3) Galatians 3:25-29 – “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

4. Jesus cares about who we are; and He wants us to help us be who God made us to be in Him.

1. Why have a relationship with Jesus?

1) Jesus wants to have a relationship with you.

2) Jesus doesn’t care about what other people think about you.

3) Jesus cares about your identity.

2. Invitation