1. Seeking to Save the Lost

2. Evangelism - A Difficult Work
3,000 converted in Acts 2:41
5,000 more in Acts 4:4
Multitudes added in Acts 5:5

3. Evangelism - A Difficult Work
Jewish people were prepared for centuries for this moment
Climax of the Law
That which all the prophets pointed to
The majority rejected the message

4. Luke 19:1–4 (KJV 1900)
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

5. Big Obstacles “He was small in stature”
He was willing to sacrifice his pride and dignity
“He was a chief tax collector and he was rich”
He was willing to bring attention to his shameful status

6. Big Obstacles Are we planting sycamores or building the crowd?
Among the “unchurched”
5% are antagonistic
36% neutral
37% friendly
31% likely to attend if asked
51% somewhat likely
“The Unchurched Next Door

7. Looking in the Trees “When Jesus came to the place he looked up”
Jesus came to “seek and to save that which was lost”
“seek” (zeteo 2426 Mounce, 2212 Strong’s) – to search after, to be on the watch for, to pursue
Jesus was looking closely for something particular - a honest and good heart Luke 8:15

8. Looking in the Trees
Jesus was very intentional in His seeking out the lost
His teaching was very pointed, increasingly so as His ministry wound down. (Luke 18)
“I must stay at your house” the language gives the impression that this was the reason Jesus came to Jericho

9. Looking in the Trees Jesus left no leaf unturned
He sought out widows, bling men, lepers, the poor and the common
He intentionally went to those who would most easily recognize their need
He demonstrated mercy rather than indignation

10. What are we doing? Are we intentional in our efforts?
Is our personal work limited to answering the question “where to you go to church”?
Do you speak of the Lord to others?
What plans have you made to share the Gospel next week?