Thank you for joining us today as we read Luke chapters 19 and 20. You should enjoy this one.
I worked in children’s ministry long before I became a preacher or author. One of my favorite little songs has always been, “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he…” Today, that may be incorrect to call him that, but I’m quoting scripture when I say, “he was short he could not see over the crowd” (Luke 19:3).
We must be careful when we read a familiar story not to skip the nuances. Today, I want to look at the details of this charming story—and what they reveal about humility, repentance, and restoration.
The Man in the Tree
Instead of focusing only on Zacchaeus’s stature or his desire to see Jesus, there’s more to the story.
Ellicott notes, “The name appears in the Old Testament in the form Zaccai (Ezra 2:9; Nehemiah 7:14), and meant ‘pure’ or ‘innocent.’ Rabbinic writers mention a Zacchaeus as living at Jericho about this time, the father of a famous Rabbi, Jochanan or John.”(1) That’s important. Sometimes even the innocent find themselves in jobs or positions that compromise their values.
Zacchaeus wasn’t just a tax collector—he was the chief tax collector (Luke 19:2). That made him very wealthy. We know it’s difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God (Luke 18:25). So Zacchaeus had at least three obstacles: the crowd, his occupation, and his wealth.
Then he did what many with opportunity do—he elevated himself. He climbed a sycamore-fig tree (Luke 19:4). This wasn’t just to see over the crowd; it’s a picture of how we exalt ourselves, especially when we’re used to authority. Often without regarding the impact on others.
Elevation and Humility
My wife and I enjoy going to concerts. The bands we loved in our younger days are still on tour, and when we can, we get tickets. Being in a wheelchair, if we don’t purchase early enough to get handicapped seats, I spend most of the concert looking at someone’s backside. The band gets the crowd charged up, and they stand—I don’t—so that’s my view.
I’m there to listen to the music, not to see guys in their 70s and 80s parading around on stage, so it’s alright. But my point is: we often elevate ourselves without regard to those around us.
Zacchaeus was used to elevating himself. Born a Jew, he worked with the Romans to collect taxes. In taking extra for himself, he became wealthy. But when Jesus saw him, He said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).
This was more than “get out of that tree.” It was a call for him to humble himself and repent. And Zacchaeus did so gladly (Luke 19:6). I believe this was because he was pure—or wanted to be. Life had placed in his path a cornerstone he had stumbled on (Luke 20:17–18).
The Mirror of Wealth and Grace
If I had a path to wealth, I would hope that I’d forsake it and remain in Christ. I’m not saying they must be exclusive, but for the sake of this illustration, let’s say they are. Let’s say my options were to continue seeking Christ, to live for Him, and to count on His provision. Or, if I will compromise my morals, I could become successful and wealthy.
Which way would I go? What about you?
It’s by God’s providence that I don’t have to make that choice.
I think what bothered the Pharisees about Jesus going to Zacchaeus’s house and dining with sinners was that it forced them to look in a mirror. They were just as guilty, but they didn’t want to humble themselves. They hadn’t climbed a sycamore-fig tree, but they enjoyed being elevated in society.
Zacchaeus didn’t want to look down on Jesus, as the others did. That’s why he repented and gave up his riches. He restored the damage caused by his greed. “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (Luke 19:8).
This didn’t buy him salvation. But because he humbled himself, God saved him, and he outwardly obeyed. His love for Jesus was now greater than his love of money. Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9–10).
Holding Up the Mirror
This is a prime example of how we need to consider all the elements in these familiar stories. Then, instead of being like a Pharisee, we need to hold that mirror up and look at ourselves.
Have we given ourselves more stature than we deserve?
Tomorrow, we will read Luke 21-22.
Footnotes
- Charles John Ellicott, Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers, vol. 6 (London: Cassell and Company, 1897), commentary on Luke 19:2.