Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 19:10
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about saving people; it highlights that Jesus came to "seek" the lost, implying an active, intentional pursuit, not just passively waiting for them to be found. He came not only to rescue them from their lost state but to actively find them, bringing them back into relationship.
After Jesus enters Jericho, he encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy but despised tax collector who desperately wants to see him. Despite his short stature and the crowd, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus's home, an act that sparks grumbling among the onlookers who see Jesus associating with a "sinner." In response to this criticism and Zacchaeus's dramatic repentance, Jesus declares the purpose of his coming.
Jesus declared his very purpose for coming to earth. What does it mean that he is the 'Son of Man' and what is his ultimate goal?
Jesus identifies himself as the 'Son of Man,' a title that points to both his humanity and his divine authority. This wasn't just a casual visit; his arrival in Jericho and his encounter with Zaccheus were part of a deliberate, heavenly mission.
A Purposeful Arrival
The text emphasizes that Jesus 'came to seek and to save.' This wasn't an accidental encounter. He actively sought out those who were lost, demonstrating God's initiative in salvation. He didn't wait for them to find him; he came to find them.
Two Sides of a Mission
The mission has two key actions:
Who exactly is Jesus referring to when he says 'the lost'? It’s a term with profound implications for how we view ourselves and others.
The term 'lost' here doesn't just mean someone who has misplaced their keys. In a spiritual sense, it refers to those who are separated from God, living in sin, and under its destructive consequences.
More Than Just Mistakes
Being 'lost' can encompass several things:
Understand the original words
ho huios tou anthrōpou · Greek Noun Phrase
A messianic title used by Jesus to identify Himself as the heavenly figure described in Daniel 7, emphasizing both His humanity and His divine authority to rule, judge, and save.
apollumi · Greek Adjective/Participle
In a theological sense, this refers to those who are spiritually dead, alienated from God, and lacking the guidance or life of the kingdom of God, requiring the intervention of a Savior to be restored.
The context of Roman occupation, Jewish resentment towards tax collectors, and Jesus' deliberate journey to Jerusalem frames his mission not just as spiritual salvation, but as a radical act of inclusivity that challenged the social and religious norms of his day.
c. 7 BC - 4 BC
Herod the Great's Reign and Death
The Roman-backed King Herod the Great ruled Judea during this period, known for his building projects but also for his paranoia and brutal policies. His death led to a division of his kingdom, increasing Roman involvement and local instability.
c. AD 26-36
Pontius Pilate's Governorship
Pilate served as the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea. His tenure was marked by insensitivity to Jewish customs and suppression of unrest, creating a tense political and religious climate.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry
Jesus spent most of his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples. This period saw growing crowds but also increasing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Final Journey to Jerusalem
Jesus deliberately traveled from Galilee towards Jerusalem, knowing his fate. During this journey, he encountered numerous people and taught extensively, including significant events in Jericho.
This parable highlights the shepherd's active search for the one lost sheep, mirroring the Son of Man's mission to seek out and rescue what is lost.
Ezekiel 34:11-16This prophetic passage describes God's own commitment to seek out His scattered sheep and bring them back, a role fulfilled by Jesus as the ultimate Shepherd.
1 Timothy 1:15Paul echoes this theme, calling himself the foremost of sinners but proclaiming Christ's purpose to save 'such as these,' aligning with Jesus' mission to the lost like Zaccheus.
Matthew 18:11Jesus states directly, 'the Son of Man came to save the lost,' underscoring the consistent purpose throughout His ministry to rescue those who are spiritually adrift.
barnesLuke 19:10: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
See the notes at Matthew 18:11 .
calvinLuke 19:1-10: "And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho."
- And having entered, he passeth through Jericho. [674] 2. And, lo, a man named Zaccheus, and he was chief of the publicans, and was rich. 3. And he sought to see Jesus who he was, [675] and could not on account of the multitude; for he was of small stature. 4. And running before, he climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him; for he was to pass that way. 5. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said to hi…
This verse isn't just about saving people; it highlights that Jesus came to "seek" the lost, implying an active, intentional pursuit, not just passively waiting for them to be found. He came not only to rescue them from their lost state but to actively find them, bringing them back into relationship.
After Jesus enters Jericho, he encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy but despised tax collector who desperately wants to see him. Despite his short stature and the crowd, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus's home, an act that sparks grumbling among the onlookers who see Jesus associating with a "sinner." In response to this criticism and Zacchaeus's dramatic repentance, Jesus declares the purpose of his coming.
After Jesus enters Jericho, he encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy but despised tax collector who desperately wants to see him. Despite his short stature and the crowd, Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus's home, an act that sparks grumbling among the onlookers who see Jesus associating with a "sinner." In response to this criticism and Zacchaeus's dramatic repentance, Jesus declares the purpose of his coming.
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Zaccheus: A Clear Example
Zaccheus, a wealthy tax collector, perfectly embodies this state. Tax collectors were despised and often seen as sinners because they worked for the oppressive Roman government and were known for their greed. They were ostracized by society and, by extension, considered spiritually lost.
Jesus' interaction with Zaccheus shows that 'lost' people aren't just those who are obviously struggling, but also those who, like Zaccheus, might be outwardly successful yet inwardly separated from God.
Jesus' mission is to seek and save. What happens when someone responds to that seeking, as Zaccheus did?
The beautiful story of Zaccheus highlights that Jesus' seeking is met with a response, and that response leads to salvation.
Jesus Initiates, We Respond
Jesus actively sought Zaccheus by going to his house. But Zaccheus’s earnest desire to see Jesus, even climbing a tree, showed his readiness to engage. When Jesus called him down, Zaccheus responded with haste and joy.
Visible Transformation
Salvation isn't just an internal feeling; it often leads to outward change. Zaccheus’s immediate declaration – giving away half his possessions and promising to repay anyone he defrauded fourfold – demonstrated a profound transformation. This wasn't about earning salvation, but about the natural fruit of experiencing God's saving grace.
Inclusion in God's Family
Jesus declared, 'Today salvation has come to this house, inasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.' This shows that salvation through Jesus brings us back into God's covenant family, no longer defined by our past sins but by our new identity in Christ.
c. AD 30-33
The Encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho
Jesus, during his final journey to Jerusalem, stopped in Jericho. He sought out Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, who was ostracized by society. This event highlighted Jesus' mission to reach the marginalized and 'lost'.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”" — This verse isn't just about saving people; it highlights that Jesus came to "seek" the lost, implying an active, intentional pursuit, not just passively waiting for them to be found. He came not only…