For the Son of ManThe title "Son of Man" is a messianic term rooted in
Daniel 7:13-14, where it describes a figure with divine authority and eternal dominion. Jesus frequently uses this title to emphasize both His humanity and His divine mission. It highlights His role as the representative of humanity and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
came
This indicates the purpose and intentionality of Jesus' incarnation. It reflects the divine mission and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The coming of Jesus was prophesied in the Old Testament, such as inIsaiah 9:6-7, and His arrival marks the pivotal moment in salvation history.
to seek
The act of seeking implies initiative and effort. Jesus actively pursues those who are lost, demonstrating God's love and desire for reconciliation with humanity. This echoes the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son inLuke 15, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of sinners.
and to save
Salvation is central to Jesus' mission. His work on the cross provides the means for redemption and reconciliation with God. This phrase underscores the necessity of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, as foretold inIsaiah 53, to accomplish salvation for humanity.
the lost.
The term "lost" refers to those who are spiritually estranged from God, encompassing all of humanity due to sin. It highlights the universal need for salvation and the inclusivity of Jesus' mission. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's desire to restore His creation, as seen in passages likeEzekiel 34:16, where God promises to seek out and rescue His scattered sheep.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus (Son of Man)The central figure in this verse, Jesus refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," a title that emphasizes both His humanity and His divine mission. This title is rooted in
Daniel 7:13-14, where it is associated with authority and an everlasting kingdom.
2.
The LostThis term refers to those who are spiritually lost, separated from God due to sin. In the context of
Luke 19, it specifically relates to Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was considered a sinner by society.
3.
JerichoThe city where Jesus encounters Zacchaeus. Jericho is significant as a place of transformation and redemption in this account.
4.
ZacchaeusA tax collector who climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus. His encounter with Jesus leads to his repentance and salvation, illustrating the mission of Jesus to save the lost.
5.
The CrowdRepresents societal norms and judgments, often critical of Jesus' association with sinners like Zacchaeus.
Teaching Points
Understanding the Mission of JesusJesus' primary mission was to seek and save the lost, emphasizing His role as Savior. This mission is central to the Gospel message and should be the focus of Christian life and ministry.
The Nature of Being 'Lost'Being lost is a spiritual condition characterized by separation from God. Recognizing our own lostness is the first step toward salvation.
The Inclusivity of SalvationJesus' interaction with Zacchaeus shows that salvation is available to all, regardless of social status or past sins. The Gospel is inclusive and transformative.
Responding to Jesus' CallLike Zacchaeus, we must respond to Jesus' call with repentance and a willingness to change. True encounter with Christ leads to transformation.
The Role of the ChurchThe church is called to continue Jesus' mission by reaching out to the lost, offering hope and salvation through the message of the Gospel.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 19:10?
2.How does Luke 19:10 inspire us to seek and save the lost today?
3.What does "seek and to save the lost" reveal about Jesus' mission?
4.How does Luke 19:10 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
5.In what ways can we emulate Jesus' mission in our daily lives?
6.How does understanding Luke 19:10 deepen our commitment to evangelism and discipleship?
7.What does Luke 19:10 reveal about Jesus' mission on Earth?
8.How does Luke 19:10 define the concept of salvation?
9.Why is the term "lost" significant in Luke 19:10?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 19?
11.What is a seeker-sensitive church?
12.How does God value the lost and found?
13.What were Jesus' characteristics and personality like?
14.What defines being spiritually lost?What Does Luke 19:10 Mean
ForThe tiny connective launches us back into the scene with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9). Jesus has just said, “Today salvation has come to this house,” and now He gives the reason.
•Luke 19:9 supplies the immediate context, tying the “for” to the arrival of salvation.
•Luke 5:31-32 echoes the same logic: the Great Physician goes where the sick are.
•John 12:27-28 shows Jesus explaining His impending death with another “for,” grounding every act in His saving purpose.
The Son of ManJesus chooses a title that stresses both His humanity and His messianic authority.
•Daniel 7:13-14 pictures “One like a son of man” receiving everlasting dominion—Jesus openly identifies Himself with that prophecy.
•Mark 10:45 parallelsLuke 19:10, showing that the “Son of Man” came “to give His life as a ransom for many.”
•Matthew 26:64 reveals the same figure returning in glory, reminding us that the humble Savior is also the coming Judge.
CameThis word points to the Incarnation—God stepping into history.
•John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
•Galatians 4:4-5: God sent His Son “born of a woman…to redeem.”
•Philippians 2:6-8 traces the downward journey from heaven’s throne to the cross, underlining that Jesus’ coming was deliberate, sacrificial, and timed.
To seekBefore anyone searches for God, God is already searching for them.
•Luke 15:4—lost sheep;Luke 15:8—lost coin;Luke 15:20—lost son: three portraits of relentless pursuit.
•Genesis 3:9 shows the pattern from Eden onward: “Where are you?” God initiates.
•Revelation 3:20 keeps the offer open: Jesus stands at the door and knocks.
And to saveFinding is not the finish line; rescue is.
•John 3:16-17 declares that the Son was sent “that the world might be saved through Him.”
•1 Timothy 1:15 distills the gospel: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
•Acts 4:12 reminds us that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ.
The lostThe word is blunt—people are spiritually dead apart from Christ.
•Luke 15:24 frames lostness as death: “This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”
•Ephesians 2:1 describes every believer’s past: “You were dead in your trespasses and sins.”
•Romans 5:8 shows how far God goes for the lost: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
summaryLuke 19:10 packs the entire mission of Jesus into one sentence. The royal yet humble “Son of Man” entered our world on purpose—to track down wandering people and bring them safely home through His own saving work. Every healing, every teaching, every step toward the cross lines up under that grand objective: seeking and saving the lost.
(10)
The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.--Like words had been spoken once before, under circumstances that presented a very striking contrast to those now before us. Then the loving purpose of the Christ had for its object the "little child," as yet untouched by the world's offences (
Matthew 18:2;
Matthew 18:11): now it rested on the publican, whose manhood had been marred by them. The same law of work is reproduced in a more emphatic form. There it had been that He "came to save:" here it is that He came to "seek" as well.
Verse 10. -
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. A quiet rebuke to the Pharisees and priests and their followers, who would limit the redeemed. Surely the "publicans" and the great tempted mass of mankind needed him more than the happy privileged class. It was for the sake of
these poor wandering sheep that he left his home of grandeur and peace. But there was a vein of sad irony running through these words of the Master. Between the lines we seem to read some such thoughts as these: "You know, O priests and Pharisees,
you do not want me. You think you are safe already. But these poor despised ones,
they want, they welcome me, like this Zacchaeus." This, too, was a lesson for all time. This scene probably took place the evening of the Lord's arrival at Zacchaeus's house at Jericho, after the evening meal, when the room arid court of the house were filled with guests and curious spectators. Dean Plumptre has an interesting suggestion that Zacchaeus the publican was one and the same with the publican of
Luke 18:10-14, who in the temple "smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner! Is it too bold a conjecture that he who saw Nathanael under the fig tree (
John 1:48) had seen Zacchaeus in the temple, and that the figure in the parable of
Luke 18:14 was in fact a portrait?"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.SonΥἱὸς(Huios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.of Manἀνθρώπου(anthrōpou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.cameἦλθεν(ēlthen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.to seekζητῆσαι(zētēsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2212:To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.to saveσῶσαι(sōsai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.lost.”ἀπολωλός(apolōlos)Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 622:From apo and the base of olethros; to destroy fully, literally or figuratively.
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NT Gospels: Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came (Luke Lu Lk) 
