TITLE: Curiosity Killed the Cat (but it saved Zacchaeus)
TEXT: Luke 19:1-10
PROPOSITION: Curiosity is the first step toward salvation.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Steps
Introduction:
Children sing song about Zacchaeus – wee little man
Curiosity killed the cat – satisfaction brought it back
Why did he climb the tree along the roadside?
Curiosity brought salvation to him and his house.
He had heard some amazing things about Jesus
Jesus' fame was spreading rapidly
In every city there were crowds of people to see and hear him
Many “stories” preceded Him
Virgin birth
Walked on water
Healed blind, deaf, lame
Raised the dead
Water turned into wine
Many came to see this “curiosity” in their city
Most of us came to Jesus on this level – just curious
What is the fuss all about?
It is good to curious about spiritual things
Acts 17:11 – searched the Scriptures to see if things taught were so
Babies express wonder at everything they experience
2 – 4 year olds favorite word – WHY?
No man becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.
It is better to ask questions than to think we know all the answers.
STEPS TO SALVATION:
Curiosity leads to investigation
Thomas – John 20:25
Jesus does not want us to have doubts
Investigate – learn – confirm – know for sure
Investigation leads to knowledge
When confirmed and proven – we have knowledge
Jesus is not LESS than we have heard – HE is MORE!
Know whom you have believed.
Knowledge leads to Faith
Some think faith is a “leap in the dark” - NO.
Faith is based on our knowledge.
Romans 10:17 – faith comes by hearing the Word of God
Faith leads to Obedience
Jesus gave Zacchaeus two command – make haste, come down
He obeyed both commands
Zacchaeus was ready to do whatever Jesus commanded.
Are you ready? Faith leads to obedience.
Obedience leads to Salvation
Salvation comes to his house
Salvation is for those who obey Jesus.
Hebrews 5:8-9 “to all them that obey Him”