Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus

Reading the Word

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. 2 There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. 3 He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

6 Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. 7 But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.

8 Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”

9 Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (Luke 19:1–10)

Setting the Scene

Curiosity often paves the way for restoration. As he encountered Jesus on the road through Jericho, Zacchaeus had four significant handicaps: he was a despised tax-collector, he was rich, he was short, and he was late. But Luke says Zacchaeus wanted to “get a look at Jesus” (v. 3). Each of those handicaps made accomplishing that goal difficult. The crowd already lining the road resented his presence and had no interest in letting him through. His wealth, role, height, and timing seemed to cut him off from Jesus. Zacchaeus’s solution was an attempt to overcome his height disadvantage. He climbed a tree overhanging the route. Jesus noticed him, named him, called him, and invited himself to Zacchaeus’s home. Each of those actions on Jesus’ part had a restoring effect on the little, hated, rich, tax-collector. But the crowd didn’t change their mind about him and, in fact, immediately resented Jesus’ interest in Zacchaeus, who proceeded to joyfully take Jesus home.

Getting Personal

We’re not told what actually transpired during Jesus’ visit or the subject of their conversation, but the results were astonishing. By the time Jesus left his house, Zacchaeus was a changed person. His previous god, money, suddenly became a disposable resource to bless others. He committed himself to generosity and restitution. But Jesus’ declaration was the seal on Zacchaeus’ transformation, “Salvation has come to this home today, For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost” (vv. 9–10). Curiosity brought this lost man to a precarious perch on a tree branch where Jesus found and restored him.

If you are feeling out on a limb, look to Jesus—he’s looking for you!

Talking to God

Jesus, remove any obstacles in my path to you. I want to fellowship with you—change me; restore me.

Adapted from “Restoration Profiles” by Neil Wilson; used by permission.