Cover of Sermon: Excited to See Jesus

Sermon: Excited to See Jesus

Sermon: Excited to See Jesus

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Sermon Date: 7/12/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 19:1-10 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction There is something contagious about excitement. People get excited about sports. They get excited about vacations. They get excited about a new grandchild, a new job, or a holiday. But somewhere along the way, many Christians have forgotten how to be excited about Jesus. The early disciples couldn't stop talking about Him. The crowds followed Him from town to town. People climbed mountains to hear Him teach. Some tore holes through roofs just to get their friends to Him. And in Luke 19, one man climbs a tree because he simply wants to see Jesus. His name is Zacchaeus. His story asks us a simple question: Are we still excited about the Lord? An Excited Heart Seeks Jesus Luke 19:3 says: "And he was seeking to see who Jesus was..." Zacchaeus had everything the world said should make him happy. He had wealth. Power. Influence. He was the chief tax collector. But something was still missing. Money could not satisfy his soul. So when he heard Jesus was coming, he had to see Him. Notice the language: He sought Jesus. He made an effort. His excitement moved him to action. Many people say they would like to know God better. But desire without pursuit accomplishes nothing. Jeremiah 29:13 says: "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart." Excited people don't wait around. They pursue. They make time. They rearrange their schedules. If we are excited about Jesus, we will seek Him through His Word, through prayer, through worship, and through fellowship with His people. An Excited Heart Doesn't Care What Others Think Luke 19:4 says: "So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree..." This is one of the most remarkable parts of the story. Zacchaeus was a wealthy government official. Men of his position didn't run. Adults didn't climb trees. He probably looked ridiculous. But he didn't care. Why? Because seeing Jesus mattered more than preserving his reputation. Sometimes our pride keeps us from expressing our faith. We're afraid someone might laugh. We worry about what people will think. But excitement over Jesus will always outweigh concern for public opinion. King David danced before the Lord with all his might. The blind beggar cried out even when people told him to be quiet. Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus despite criticism. People who truly love Jesus stop worrying so much about appearances. Jesus Notices Those Who Seek Him Luke 19:5 says: "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." Out of all the people lining the streets... Jesus stopped for one man. Think about that. Jesus knew his name. Jesus knew where he was. Jesus knew his need. Zacchaeus thought he was looking for Jesus. But Jesus had been looking for him all along. That is the beauty of the gospel. We seek Christ because He first sought us. He knows your name. He knows your struggles. He knows your past. And He still calls you to Himself. An Encounter with Jesus Changes Everything Luke 19:8 says: "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor..." Notice something important. Jesus never tells Zacchaeus to give away his money. The change comes from within. A changed heart produces changed actions. The greedy man becomes generous. The dishonest man seeks restitution. The selfish man begins thinking about others. Real salvation always produces transformation. Good works do not save us. But a saved life begins to bear good fruit. If we truly meet Jesus, people should notice something different about us. Jesus Came to Seek and Save The story ends with one of the clearest mission statements Jesus ever gave. Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." That is why Jesus came. Not merely to teach. Not merely to perform miracles. Not merely to inspire people. He came to save. Every person in this room was once spiritually lost. But Jesus came looking for us. The Shepherd sought the wandering sheep. The Savior sought the sinner. The King sought the rebel. That is grace. Application Let's ask ourselves a few questions. Am I still excited about Jesus? Has my faith become routine? Do I still eagerly worship? Do I look forward to opening God's Word? Do I anticipate meeting with God's people? What is keeping me from pursuing Christ? Pride? Distractions? Comfort? Busyness? Like Zacchaeus, are you willing to climb whatever "tree" is necessary to draw closer to Jesus? Has my encounter with Christ changed my life? Is there evidence that Jesus has transformed me? Would those closest to me see Christ at work in my life? Conclusion Zacchaeus began the day simply wanting to catch a glimpse of Jesus. He ended the day with Jesus in his home and salvation in his heart. Everything changed because he responded to Christ. Church, we should never lose our excitement for Jesus. Never lose the wonder of His grace. Never lose the joy of ...
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