Zacchaeus; The Transformed Publican
Study Scripture: Luke 19 :1 – 10
Background Scripture: Luke 18
Lesson #7 July 18, 2026
Key Verse
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Luke 19:5
INTRODUCTION
Our Lesson Study today examines the reality of the spiritual journeys of several people.
An examination of human beings and their nature gives us the sense that they sense that something is missing and that there’s an emptiness within their souls.
Each of these people in their own way realize deep down that this emptiness can only be filled on a spiritual level. The real problem for them is placing their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior so that He will give them a new spiritual life, filling their hearts with a sense of wholeness which involves peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The Chapter we are examining in Luke 19 shows that Jesus’ ministry involved drawing near to people who were suffering poverty, captivity, and spiritual and emotional oppression.
The fact that men are suffering from this malady was one of the reasons that the prophets had stated that the Messiah would come.
So we are not surprised when we read in the Book of Luke and especially Chapters 18 and 19 that Jesus associated Himself with people that were considered outsiders for one reason or another. These people were sometimes Gentiles,, sometimes women, sometimes children, with all of them being considered to be outsiders. Some were considered to be demon possessed, diseased, and ritually unclean people, infamous sinners.
In Jesus’s ministry He would risk His reputation as He ate and mixed with His people, touched them, and as we have seen in several cases commended the faith that these outsiders had.
In Luke Chapter 18 and Chapter 19 we come to understand the importance of context.
The writers of Scripture structured Scripture that we will see what the Holy Spirit was communicating to us, for in each case of the three men that are considered in these Chapters they had faith that Jesus was the Son of God, and this faith resulted in a new life for themselves.
We are required to consider the question of whether we have the faith to begin a new life with Jesus We have of course been told that this is why Jesus came, for He came that we might have life.
When we look at the route that Jesus took we must understand that Jesus was approaching the Cross He walked on His route to Jericho, this very important city in the history of Israel. One writer points out the significance of what would happen in this city as Jesus headed to the Cross
“Jesus had headed south along the Jordan River until he arrived at Jericho, the world’s oldest city, located on the North shore of the Dead Sea, 600 feet below sea level. Some 1,400 years earlier, Joshua had led the people of Israel out of the wilderness into the promised land, and Jericho was the first city in Canaan that they needed to defeat. The Lord asked his people to march around the city seven times and then the walls came falling down and the city was defeated.
Long before the reign of Herod Jericho was already “a little Paradise” with its palm trees, rose gardens, its streets lined with sycamores, its delights climate etc. Herod the Great and his son Archelaus had made it even more beautiful. A grand winter Palace had been built there, and also a theater and a Hippodrome.
In the days of our Lord’s ministry the city was also the home of many of the Jewish priests and Levites. When it was their turn to come to serve in the temple, they would begin the 15 mile, 6 hour journey up to Jerusalem, which was some 2,600 ft above sea level.
Jericho was also a city of publicans, of government officials who worked on behalf of the Romans, because of its central locations for trade between Jordan and Israel and Egypt. Thus there were many tax collectors stationed there”.
The context in our Study is quite clear for it parallels the story of Zacchaeus and the call of the disciple Levi recorded in Luke 5 and Mark 2. We recall that Levi had left everything to follow Jesus and today we will see that Zacchaeus offers to give half of his possessions to the poor and to make restitution in addition to that to anyone whom he had defrauded.
We wish to remind you of the words of Jesus spoken at that time, “ Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance”.
So let us make note of that contrast. But now we can also see the contrast between the story of Zacchaeus and the rich young ruler recorded in Luke 18:18- 30.
Zacchaeus was rich and the rich young ruler was rich and they both had great authority as well as wealth but also note that the rich young ruler failed to respond to Jesus’ call to give away his wealth and come and follow Him. At that time Jesus commented that it was easier for a camel to enter through the eye of the needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
But note the difference with Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus gave half of his wealth without even being told to do so
When Zacchaeus responded to the presence of Jesus then Jesus would in contrast comment “ Today, salvation has come to this house”.
It is important for growth in our personal spiritual life to note that Zacchaeus was despised by the people around him. He was considered to be guilty and a man who broke the intent of God’s commandments and the interests of his nation.
One writer comments on the character of Jesus and His ministry and it is also important to note this. This writer states: “In each of those instances, Jesus reverses the ordinary. He welcomes children and beggars, who some people prefer to keep in the background—but places heavy demands on the rich ruler, whom the people would welcome gladly”.
We benefit a great deal from this attitude of the Lord Jesus Christ.
So as we look at what happened to Jesus on the way to the Cross we see people first bringing little children to see Jesus and Jesus rebuked the disciples for rejecting the parents telling them to allow the little children to come to Him. They should not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Luke 18: 15.
Then the rich young ruler came to Jesus and when he learned that he had to give away his riches he balked at this prospect.
Then a blind beggar sitting on the roadside shouted out at the top of his voice for mercy and even though the crowd tried to quiet him the man persisted and Jesus ordered the man to be brought to him and Jesus declared, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you”.
Note what was happening on that occasion for Jesus blessed the man who wanted to see.
Now we will see in this meeting this tax collector climbed a tree to see Jesus and it led to him being blessed because he wanted to see.
Our Study Scripture is intended to remind us that the kingdom of God covers, is concerned with, and determines all areas of life. Nothing of daily life is outside of its purview. What persons do, what they eat, where they visit, how they work, what they study, how they treat each other, what kinds of stewards of the world that they are, matters of taxes and investments, as well as all the other issues of life are encompassed by God’s kingdom.
The rules, regulations, outlook and way of life of the kingdom in most cases contradict the rules, regulations, outlook, way of life, and styles of the world, which we know is at enmity with God.
The Study Scripture reminds us of the concerns of God’s kingdom by introducing us to an encounter Jesus has with an extremely wealthy but despised and hated man.
Does the encounter teach us that the accepted ways of life that we consider normal as well as “industry standard practice” should be carefully examined by believers to see whether or not they are based on deceit, intimidation, and corruption?
How are we to react in our initial and in our daily encounters with Jesus after the Holy Spirit had brought us to faith in Jesus?
Should the ways of the world be still considered as normal and acceptable after we come to Christ?
How are we to show that we are changed persons, born again by the Spirit?
How are we to become sensitive to changes in “sinners” which are happening before our very eyes or are we to just keep on condemning them and writing them off because of what they are doing?
Are there persons longing to come to an encounter to Jesus whom for some “good” reason we are overlooking?
Is compensation for past sins which we are able to do good enough for God to show our repentance as true?
We have been told by Jesus previously that the possession of wealth can be a significant hindrance which will make it virtually impossible for the rich to enter the kingdom. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, however needle is interpreted, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
In Mark 10:23-27 we are told that the disciples were astonished at this doctrine.
The disciples, given the accepted cultural and religious teaching that the possession of wealth should be interpreted as a blessing from God, were horrified at this clear teaching of Jesus, and could only say to Jesus,
“Who then can be saved”.
This was incredulous for them.
But in answer to their astonishment we are told of Jesus’ response:
“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible”.
It is noteworthy therefore that we should be able to meditate on and never forget that this portion of Scripture teaches that it is impossible for a rich man to be saved. For many this is an incredible and unacceptable position. We like to underestimate the distortion that the pursuit of and possession of wealth bring to the Christian life.
But we should at the same time never forget that it is impossible for anyone to be saved if the power and grace of God is not operating for that is the only thing that can save. God is the only one who can effectually call, change the heart, save, enlighten, regenerate, and secure the soul.
So do not underestimate the power and the grace of God. He can save the rich, and He can save the poor who are also in danger of being lost, and are not getting a free pass into the kingdom just because they are poor.
We have also been told that the love of money is the root of all evil. Instead of making any of the several logical, apparently commonsensical, high sounding rationalizations in whatever is to be done without any decision by the Holy Spirit, we should exercise much caution.
The subject of wealth, and the subject of the treatment of the poor was clearly of great concern to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Also, note the context which leads up to the final events before the Cross. The events which are highlighted by Luke are all most significant for Jesus cements in our mind what He is about. He told the disciples:
“Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, Behold we are going up to Jerusalem and all things that are written in the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.
For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.
They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again”.
The ministry of Jesus before the Cross was in its final stages. In carrying out His ministry Jesus, the Suffering Servant of Jehovah had set His face like a flint (Isaiah 40:6-7) and headed toward Jerusalem and the suffering of the Cross.
As a closing summary of what Messiah should do, He healed the lepers (chapter 17:11-17), for remember the Lord came to heal, gave sight to the blind man (18:35-42), for the restoration of sight is critical for Messiah’s ministry, and now He stops and calls a sinner who did not expect to be called and invited to fellowship with Messiah.
The invitation to this despised “sinner” and Jesus’ declaration that this was the essence of His work is highlighted.
So, what is really of greatest concern to God? Do we share the same concern? We pray that this Study Scripture will redirect our focus. Remember that we have the mind of Christ. This must show.
The second part to pay attention to in this story is that it takes place in the city of Jericho, a town under a curse. However, one person is capable of rescinding or suspending that curse and that person is Christ, even if it is all for the purpose for finding Zacchaeus. These are the lengths that Christ will go to in order to pull a sinner back from sin and iniquity.
This city was built under a curse, yet Christ honoured it with His presence, for the Gospel takes
Away the curse, and brings forth life.
THE TEXT
One writer describes this city of Jericho for us:
“Jericho was an ancient and important city, and as Jesus passed through the city on His way to Jerusalem, it seems the reason was to meet with this man named Zacchaeus.
Jericho was a prosperous city. It had a great palm forest and world-famous balsam groves which perfumed the air for miles around. Its garden of roses were known far and wide. Men called it The City of Palms. Josephus called it a divine region, the fattest in Palestine. The Romans carried its dates and balsam to world-wide trade and fame”. (Barclay)
Christ was going from the other side of Jordan to Bethany near Jerusalem, to raise Lazarus to life. Even so, Christ found the time to do good works as He moved to do a particular work.
Verse 2: What made Zaccheus so special was that Christ the Lord would come to Jericho to eat at this man’s house. This man was a Jew. Zaccai was a common name among the Jews, and this one name which meant “pure” was popular at that time. Zacchaeus appears to be a very rich man. Even though some publicans were well off, he appears to be even better than others when it came to wealth.
To answer the question of who and what is this man Zaccheus, we look at what he did. His calling and the post he was in was that of a publican, but in truth, he was the chief publican, the local Receiver-general. This man was what we would call a tax-farmer. The tax system then is explained:
“At public auctions, wealthy individual purchased the right to collect taxes on imports, exports, and goods that merchants transported through a particular region. This meant that the highest bidders received the authorization to collect taxes in a particular territory. They then arranged for subcontractors to collect the taxes in various parts of their region, profiting from the tax receipts that exceeded their bids. The subcontractors would commonly inflate the tax rate and thereby make dishonest gain for themselves. Thus the tax system in the Roman Empire gave rise to many abused… The designation “chief tax collector may mean that he had other tax collectors working under him or that he was the principal tax collector in Jericho and the vicinity. In his position, he had amassed great wealth through dishonest means”.
This profession was one despised among the Jews. This was not only due to man’s natural hatred of taxes, but more so to the fact that the tax collector made his profit on whatever extra he could get away with charging his client.
Most likely all tax collectors knew of John the Baptist and what he said concerning collecting taxes, that being, “collect no more than what is appointed for you”.
I am sure that many tax collectors thought that this gospel wasn’t for them after hearing this. As for Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, all other publicans were officers under him.
Many different kinds of sinner interacted with Christ, Fornicators, thieves, brutes, prostitutes, and tax collectors. Note the disciple and later called Apostle Levi was a tax collector. Many publicans came across the path of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’s, but in either case, it just proves that Christ has His remnant among all sorts of individuals.
Previously dealing with the rich young ruler, Jesus had proved that it is hard for someone who is wealthy to enter into the kingdom of God because their desires lie somewhere else other than heaven and with God. Zacchaeus separates himself from this ruler in the sense that despite being rich, he knew that he was a sinner in need of rescuing from Jesus and would do anything to get into a position to be saved.
Verse 3. Zacchaeus knew that Jesus was making His way through Jericho and had a strong desire to see Him. Perhaps the curiosity at first was to see what kind of man this Jesus was after hearing all the talk about Him. The mystique that surrounded Jesus was probably similar to that which we have with our television, movie, music and sports stars. We don’t really know them personally, but we are part of their lives or follow their lives as though we were, perhaps seeking some connection with them, maybe because we are apt to imagine that there is something extraordinary in their countenance.
Either way, Zaccheus had that affinity to see Jesus.
Children of God or perspective children of God, are not satisfied with seeing Jesus. We seek Jesus with an eye of faith, to see who He is. We should address ourselves in holy ordinances with this in our eye.
Zacchaeus could not gratify his curiosity by looking at Him a little bit, especially since his stature was small and he had trouble seeing Christ through the crowds which was great. This rich man was small in stature physically, but more important he was small in his moral standing among his neighbours.
Zacchaeus like others who seek Jesus may appear little in stature, physically and morally, but have large souls evident by their actions in seeking out God. Eventually when they become a believer, this confirms that they are lively in spirit.
This attribute tells us that despite our apparent short comings we may see in ourselves, Christ knows who we are and what we are capable of. He who created us, understands He has created a good work, so then we must strive to prove Him correct because of who He is and what we know Him to be.
Verse 4. Not wishing to be disappointed, he ran further down the path that Jesus would travel and climbed a sycamore-tree growing alongside the road to gain a better vantage point to see Christ. This tree was likely a fig-mulberry tree, (Ficus sycomorus), an evergreen with branches close to the ground.
This was a somewhat strange sight for a wealthy man to run and climb a tree to see someone. It certainly was unusual but wealthy Zacchaeus was so focused he did not think about how it would look in the eyes of his neighbors.
Those that sincerely desire a sight of Christ will use the proper means for gaining a sight of Him, and will break through a deal of difficulty and opposition, and be willing to take pains to see Him. Those that find themselves little must take all the advantages they can get to raise themselves to a sight of Christ, and not be ashamed to own that they need Him, and all little enough. Let not those of small stature despair, with good help, by aiming high to reach high.
Verse 5. God empowers us so that we might have the strength to hear and respond to His call. Zacchaeus’ heart was in a position to welcome Jesus. When Christ came to the location of the sycamore-tree and where Zacchaeus was, Christ took notice of him even though for Zacchaeus, he did not think that Christ would notice him.
That was an honour too great, and too far above his merit, for him to have any thought of this great invitation. Christ presented him with the blessings of His goodness, and outdid Zacchaeus expectations.
As Christ encouraged very weak beginnings in Zacchaeus, so does He in us, to help us all forward.
He that has a mind to know Christ shall be known of Him. This particular case is very encouraging to believers and sinners as it shows that those who still press to see Jesus despite their state are blessed with an opportunity to speak with Christ, because His goal is to save all by delivering the Gospel message to them. It is another example of those that are faithful in a little who shall be entrusted with more. Sometimes those that come to hear the word of Christ, only for curiosity, beyond what they thought of, have their consciences awakened, and their hearts changed.
This is key to Christian ministry as we should from this example appreciate that it is and will always be Christ that gives the increase. As Christians we are to get the word out so that Christ and the Holy Spirit can work on the hearts of men, to bring them into the right relationship with God. Christ called him by name, for He knows His chosen by name, they are written in
His book of life.
If we understand anything about Jesus, the God-Man, we should appreciate that He is God. Knowing this, Jesus knew Zacchaeus, knew His purpose for him and would not be denied. To that end, as He spoken to Zacchaeus He told him to make haste and come down to prepare to host Him. The invitation was sent out, Christ invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home.
But it is the response of Zacchaeus that is very important. Humbly and quickly he reacted to prepare for Jesus. He knew he was a sinner and no righteousness he personally had would allow him access to heaven.
When Jesus calls us delays are costly, we should make haste. Parables such as the Ten Virgins
remind us of this need.
Veres 6. I do not know many people who are happy when people just invite themselves over to your house and expect to be fed. This is what Jesus did, but who wouldn’t want Jesus coming to dinner!
Clearly as the story progresses it is evident that Christ’ purpose for coming to Jericho involved Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was very pleased to have Jesus acknowledge him, even more so to come to his home. This honour that Jesus bestowed on him, encouraged him to move with haste and joy as it is clearly that with each passing moment, a change was occurring in Zacchaeus and a new relationship was being established with the Father, as his soul was being redeemed by God.
After a while Christians in the faith might forget how it felt to hear the call of our Lord Jesus Christ. They may not remember the zeal with which we moved to do anything and everything we could to sit with Jesus. Zacchaeus’s forwardness to receive Christ will shame us, or should shame us. He risked embarrassment and it paid off handsomely for him.
This is definitely a delightful reminder of what knowing Jesus should mean to a Christian. For new believers, whenever the call is made, as Zacchaeus did, we should move with haste to answer the call. When He comes to us, we must receive Him joyfully. Take the time to do that which is beneficial to eternal life, because if we do not take the time, surely the cares of this world with muffle and silence a great call and desire to our hearts.
Verse 7. Some of the people around Jesus and Zaccheus took offense at Jesus requesting to eat at Zacchaeus’s house. Remember he was a tax collector, and chief among tax collectors. These people were hated of the Jews and as chief Zacchaeus even more so than others.
The narrow-souled severely critical Jews murmured, saying that He was gone to be a guest with a man who was a sinful man, but yet weren’t they also sinful men? Also, what did they think Jesus’ purpose was, if not to call sinners to repentance?
We must be careful when dealing with the judgments of God. Clearly, this was done to be a stumbling-block to those people, possibly to remind them of the mercies of God and how far reaching it extends.
If Christ can extend an invitation to one such as Zacchaeus, then they should feel that there is truly hope for their own personal redemption since they all considered him to be a sinner above all men that dwelt in Jericho, and as such not fit to be conversed with. But Jesus is here to say not so.
Was it just to blame Jesus? They should know better as we should when it comes to witnessing to others. We should be led by God in the case, and let Him do the miracle working, and just be the agents of His will. By letting God’s will unfold, we may get a better understanding about God the Father and how He operates for the good of mankind.
Though Zacchaeus was a publican, and many of the publicans were bad men, it did not therefore follow that they were all so. We must take heed of condemning men in the lump, or by common fame, for at God’s bar every man will be judged as he is.
Though he had been a sinner, it did not therefore follow that he was now as bad as he had been, though they knew his past life to be bad. Christ knew his present frame to be good. God allows for room for repentance, and so must we.
Though he was now a sinner, they ought not to blame Christ for going to him, because he was in no danger of getting hurt by a sinner, but in great hopes of doing good to a sinner, and inadvertently to them through the change that would occur.
Also, if they would take a moment to learn from the events occurring, they might also themselves take that better way to becoming a follower of God, instead of just coming out to see this man they called Jesus. Where should a physician go but to the sick? Yet see how that which is well done may be ill construed?
Verse 8. The proofs Zaccheus gave now publicly that though he had been a sinner, he was now a penitent, and a true convert, was given in this verse. As a publican, he does not expect to be justified by turning over a new leaf, and offering kindness for the sins he has done, but he starts by doing a good work that every Christian strives to do, by the grace of God, which gives evidence of the sincerity of his faith and repentance.
Zacchaeus stands such that he might be seen of the men that were around, and to be witnesses, even to those murmuring around him. They might hear the repentance as well as faith that he is about to declare. He stood deliberately and with solemnity, in the nature of a vow to God.
He addressed himself to Christ in it, not to the people (as they were not to be his judges), but to the Lord, and he stood as it were at His bar.
He sets the example of all repentant sinners that we do that which is good we must do as unto Him, we must appeal to Him, and approve ourselves to Him, in our integrity, in all our good purposes and resolutions. He makes it appear that there is a change in his heart, for there is a change in his way.
Zaccheus had a good estate, and, whereas he had been in it hitherto laying up treasure for himself, and doing hurt to himself, now he resolves that for the future he will be all towards God, and do good to others with it.
There are many comparisons to the rich young ruler in this passage of Scripture, however, the greatest difference between that passage and this is that Zacchaeus did not wavier one bit in declaring and willingness to part with whatever wealth he had to win over Christ. Where he was in the past uncharitable to the poor, now he will relieve them, and give so much the more for having neglected the duty so long, even the half of my goods. This was a very large proportion to be set apart for works of piety and charity.
The Jews typically sought to given a fifth part of a man’s income yearly to pious uses, and about that share the law directed, but here Zacchaeus would go much further, and give more than was required by the law to the poor, which would oblige him to curtail all his extravagant expenses. His curtailing these would enable him to relieve many with his superfluities.
If we were but more temperate and self-denying, we should be more charitable, and, were we content with less ourselves, we should have the more to give to them that need. This he mentions here as a fruit of his repentance. Note, it well becomes converts to God to be charitable to the poor.
Zaccheus was conscious to himself that he had not gotten all he had honestly and fairly, but some by indirect and unlawful means, and of what he had gotten by such means he promises to make restitution. In like manner he says if he has wronged any man in the way of his businesses as a publican, exacting more than was appointed, He promised to restore him four-fold.
If only thieves were to make such a restitution as required by the law! (Ex. 22:1). He seems plainly to own that he had done wrong in, his office as a publican.
Officers in those professions of power should not only consider themselves in general guilty before God, but should particularly reflect upon that which has been their own iniquity, and which, by reason of their business and employment in the world, has most easily beset them.
He knew he had done wrong by false accusation. This was the temptation of the publicans, which John Baptist had warned them of particularly. These men had the ear of the government, and everything would be stretched in favour of the revenue, which gave them an opportunity of gratifying their revenge if they bore a man an ill will. Hence the promise of four- fold return to any man wronged in this way.
I am sure he kept records and would go over them, or recall from memory, to do right for God’s sake by those wronged. This he is willing to do voluntarily.
In no way does the Scripture imply that by him giving up half his estate to the poor this will atone for the wrong he has done. He justly, now repentant, wishes to do well, and so Zacchaeus, as should we, do justly and then love mercy.
It is no charity, but hypocrisy, to give that which is none of our own, and we are not to reckon that our own which we have not come honestly by, should be given to God so that He will reward us.
Verse 9. Zaccheus is declared to be now a happy man. Now he and his entire house is turned from sin to God; now he has bidden Christ welcome to his house, and is become an honest, charitable, good man. Now that he is converted he is in effect saved, saved from his sins, from the guilt of them, from the power of them; all the benefits of salvation are his.
This is the purpose that Jesus intended when visiting Jericho, namely, the salvation of this man Zaccheus. Christ is come to his house, and, where Christ comes, He brings salvation along with Him.
He is, and will be, the Author of eternal salvation to all that own Him as Zacchaeus did.
Yet this is not all. Salvation came to Zacchaeus due to the desire of his heart, but that salvation now extends to his family.
This is another important miracle that should be stressed. When we witness and bring a soul to Christ it has to ability to reach and convict those around that sinner who repented, extending life to all around.
Zacchaeus as a convert, will be more than he had been, he will be a blessing to his house. He will bring the means of grace and salvation to his house, for he is a son of Abraham indeed now, and therefore, like Abraham, he will teach his household to keep the way of the Lord.
Believers whose family tree does not extend to Abraham, are grafted into that promise, this is the promise of Christ.
In addition, the benefits for a soul redeemed is great indeed. Ps. 112:3 says that those souls that let greed run their lives bring ruin to their houses, by bringing a curse to it. However, those that do charitable acts to the poor do a kindness to their own houses, bringing blessing upon it and salvation to it, temporal at least.
When Zacchaeus is brought to Christ, his family also became related to Christ, and his children are admitted members of His church, and so salvation comes to his house, for that he is a son of Abraham.
Sons of Abraham are interested in God’s covenant with Abraham, for that history leads to blessings from God, is even able to cover publicans, or Gentiles, through faith, for that God of Abraham will be a God to them and to their children. Therefore, when Zaccheus believed, salvation came to his house. Acts 16:31.
Zacchaeus is by birth a son of Abraham, but, being a publican, he was deemed a heathen, they are put on the same level. As such the Jews were shy of conversing with him, and expected Christ should be so, but He shows that, being a true penitent, he is become upright in the court (rectus in curia), as good a son of Abraham as if he had never been a publican, which therefore ought not to be mentioned against him.
Verse 10. What Christ had done to make him, in particular, a happy man, was consonant to the great design and intention of Jesus when He came into the world.
With the same argument He had before to justify His conversing with publicans, He pleads that He came to call sinners to repentance, now that He came to seek and save that which was lost.
Man, or the sons of men are in a deplorable state, they were lost, and here the whole race of mankind is spoken of as one body. The whole world of mankind by the Fall has become a lost world, lost as a city is lost when it has revolted to the rebels, as a traveler is lost when he has missed his way in a wilderness, as a sick man is lost when his disease is incurable, or as a prisoner is lost when sentence is passed upon him.
The gracious design of the Son of God is that He came to seek and save, to seek in order to save. He came from heaven to earth to seek that which was lost and to bring it back, and to save that which was lost, which was perishing, and in a manner destroyed and cut off. Christ undertook the cause when it was given up for lost, undertook to bring those to themselves that were lost to God and all goodness. Christ came into this lost world to seek and save it. His design was to save, when there was not salvation in any other. In prosecution of that design, He sought, took all probable means to affect that salvation. He seeks those that to some were not worth seeking, He seeks those that sought Him not, and asked not for Him, as Zacchaeus here.
CONCLUSION
As we study you should ask yourself the question, Would you climb a tree for Jesus?
Could you be considered to be generous and exceed what is required of you if you can compensate for what you have done in the past?
Do you have kingdom faithfulness as Zacchaeus represented because you have admiration for the kingdom of God?
Are you committed to showing Kingdom faithfulness like Zacchaeus?
When was the last time you were like Zacchaeus eager to be close to Jesus and then you express joy because of your relationship with God?
Are you committed to delight in the Lord, and to do everything you can so that salvation will come not only to you but to your house?
Note that repentance precedes forgiveness.
Zacchaeus did not have to bow down, confess all of his sins openly and say he repented.
God knows your heart and you should show Him your heart, for He seeks that. You do not always have to openly and verbally seek mercy as the other tax collector in Luke 18:13. Sometime repentance is done in private and is accepted, but sometimes it is good if it is done openly.
The pledge of future behavior was sufficient for Jesus to bless this man, this son of Abraham who had come to accept that he should behave with propriety.
Just as Jesus accepted the words of the thief on the Cross and promised him paradise, Jesus saw fit to accept the pledge of Zacchaeus. He will accept your pledge and will have His Holy Spirit keep and sustain you. He will shelter you under His wings. He knows we are all weak, but because of His grace, He does not consume the Sons of Jacob. So do not fear. Enjoy your faith, and make it joyous faith.