Knowing The Word in Luke 19:1-10

Jesus and Zacchaeus

19:1 He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”

8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Comments

The response of Zacchaeus to Jesus stood in contrast to the rich, young ruler. Whereas the ruler walked away, Zacchaeus had an immediate, transformative encounter with Jesus. Jesus had not planned on staying in Jericho until he met Zacchaeus, whose name meant “pure” or “righteous.” He was neither before meeting Jesus. As chief tax collector, he employed others to collect the taxes. Then he passed on the taxes to the Roman authorities. Jericho was a good location for trade going into and out of Jerusalem, allowing Zacchaeus to become rich and, at the same time, unpopular with the townspeople.

When Jesus arrived, a crowd gathered, including Zacchaeus. No one wanted to let this short and unpopular man through to get a better view. Sycamores were easy climbing trees often planted by the roadside, and offered Zacchaeus the ability to see Jesus. Jesus did not pass by but stopped and demanded to stay with Zacchaeus, startling the crowd, which immediately criticized and condemned both men.

Zacchaeus’ amazing and generous response to Jesus stood in contrast to the grumblers. The law required full restitution plus one fifth to those one cheated. Zacchaeus offered over-the-top restitution. Jesus called him “a son of Abraham,” someone who follows the true faith and understands the grace of God. The story shows that Jesus sought out Zacchaeus, who was lost, and when he found him, did not leave him as he was but saved him. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” could be called the primary message of Luke’s Gospel.

Application

Are you more like Jesus, who insisted he would go to Zacchaeus’s house, or do you identify more with the grumblers who cannot understand why Jesus went to a notorious sinner’s house? Consider why you respond that way.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, that you came to find and save the lost. Otherwise, I would have no hope. Encourage me through your Spirit to share this hope with others in my life, especially those who are lost and without hope.