19th December – Luke 19: “Zacchaeus Received Him Joyfully”
Hey friends, welcome to December 19th. I’m speaking to you today in front of a very special memorial to a donkey who became a hero. This one was born on the battlefield at the Somme in World War I. After his mother died, he became the beloved mascot of British troops, was wounded seven times, survived, and lived another 26 years as Peterborough’s city mascot. Brave, faithful, decorated… but he’s not the most famous donkey in history.
That honour goes to a never-before-ridden colt in Luke 19, the one Jesus rode into Jerusalem. The Bible says in Job that man’s heart is as stubborn as “a wild ass’s colt.” Untamed, running its own way. Yet when they brought that colt to Jesus, He rode it in triumph. What a picture of what He does with stubborn hearts like ours.
Part 1 – Zacchaeus Received Him Joyfully (vv. 1-10) Jesus enters Jericho, and a rich tax collector named Zacchaeus, despised, corrupt, lonely, wants to see Him. Too short to see over the crowd, he climbs a sycamore tree. Jesus stops, looks up, and says, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house” (v. 5). Zacchaeus receives Him joyfully. The crowd grumbles: “He’s gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stands and says, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Jesus declares, “This day is salvation come to this house… For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (vv. 9-10).
Curiosity led Zacchaeus up a tree. Jesus calling his name brought him down transformed. Obstacles, like height, reputation, wealth, melted when the Saviour said, “Today I must abide at thy house.” He still calls sinners by name. Will you receive Him joyfully?
Part 2 – Occupy Till I Come (vv. 11-27) Jesus tells the parable of the pounds: A nobleman goes to receive a kingdom and gives ten servants a pound each: “Occupy till I come” (v. 13). His citizens hate him: “We will not have this man to reign over us.” He returns as king. Faithful servants are rewarded with cities. The fearful one who hid his pound hears, “Thou wicked servant.” The enemies who rejected his reign are slain.
We live between the “going away” and the “coming again.” Citizens of this world increasingly resent Christ’s rule. Servants are called to occupy, or trade faithfully with what He’s entrusted, till He returns. One day we’ll give account. Are we occupied with the right work?
Part 3 – Blessed Be the King (vv. 28-44) Jesus sends for the colt: “The Lord hath need of him.” They bring it, lay garments on it, and Jesus rides toward Jerusalem. The multitude spreads garments and cries, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest” (v. 38). Pharisees demand, “Master, rebuke thy disciples.” Jesus answers, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (v. 40).
A humble entrance—on a colt, fulfilling Zechariah 9:9. An honoured entrance: crowds shouting Hosanna. A hated entrance: religious leaders wanting silence.
Then Jesus looks over Jerusalem and weeps: “If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes” (v. 42). He prophesies the city’s destruction—because they knew not the time of their visitation.
Friends, Jesus still rides into hearts today, humbly, seeking the lost like Zacchaeus, calling us to occupy faithfully, entering as King amid praise or hatred. Some receive Him joyfully. Some say, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Some day the stones will cry out if we stay silent.
This Christmas week, hear Him calling your name. Make haste. Come down. Receive Him joyfully. And occupy till He comes.
See you tomorrow for Luke 20. Grace and peace! 🙏
