Found by Grace — The Savior Who Came for the Lost

This message shares the story of a man who climbed a tree searching for Jesus — and a Saviour who would later hang on a cross for him. The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 and the prophecy of Isaiah 53 both reveal the same truth: God seeks the sinner before the sinner ever seeks Him. We are found not by effort or worthiness, but by grace — through the One who was “numbered with the transgressors” so we could be forgiven.

Message One — The Man Who Wanted to See Jesus

A Moment of Opportunity

Jesus was passing through Jericho — and that one phrase tells us everything. It was a moment of opportunity that wouldn’t come again. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus and wanted to see Him for himself. He couldn’t see over the crowd, but he didn’t let that stop him. He ran ahead and climbed a tree — an act that would have cost him his dignity, but he did it anyway.

Like Zacchaeus, every person faces a choice when confronted with the gospel. Each invitation, each sermon, each quiet conviction is an opportunity to respond. But opportunities are time-limited. When Jesus passed by, Zacchaeus had to decide — would he let pride hold him back, or would he climb the tree?

Leaving Pride, Will, and Sin Behind

Zacchaeus let go of his pride to climb that tree. When Jesus called his name and said, “Come down, for today I must stay at your house,” Zacchaeus obeyed. He left behind his will — his excuses, his self-direction — and came down in humility.

Soon after, he left something else behind: his sin. He confessed openly, ready to make things right, and Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house.”

That day, the Son of God stopped beneath one man’s tree — and a sinner’s life was changed forever. Zacchaeus didn’t find Jesus by luck or good deeds. He was found by grace.

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10

Message Two — Numbered with the Transgressors

The Sinless Saviour Took Our Place

Before the cross, Jesus quoted Isaiah: “He was numbered with the transgressors.” These words, written 700 years earlier, foretold the crucifixion — the holy Son of God treated as a sinner among sinners.

When Jesus hung between two thieves, He fulfilled that prophecy completely. The innocent Saviour was counted among the guilty so that the guilty could be declared righteous. This is the heart of the gospel: He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

The Cross That Changes Everything

The preacher reminded us that Jesus didn’t just speak of salvation — He accomplished it. When He died, He carried the punishment our sins deserved. When He rose again, He proved that the debt was fully paid.

On the cross, one thief mocked Him, but the other repented. That man admitted, “We are receiving what we deserve… but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he turned in faith and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

That’s all it takes — honesty about our sin and faith in Christ. The same Saviour who said, “Today salvation has come to this house,” also said to that dying man, “Today you will be with Me in paradise.”

The Saviour Who Still Seeks the Lost

From Zacchaeus in a tree to a thief on a cross, Jesus was always seeking sinners. He still is. He was numbered with transgressors so we could be numbered among the redeemed.

He found Zacchaeus in Jericho. He found a thief in agony. And He’s still finding people today — one heart at a time.