July 19th, 2026: Zacchaeus the Repentant Tax Collector | Luke 19:1-10

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

We have all heard the story.  In fact, we know the song by heart. We may not be able to spell Zacchaeus without looking it up but we certainly know he was a “wee little man and a wee little man was he!”  Todays lesson reminds us that there was a real man named Zacchaeus.  All we truly know about him is that he lived in Jericho, he was a manager-level tax collector, and he desired to see Jesus!

And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

Let’s start right here.  It is interesting to note that Jesus is passing through Jericho heading for Jerusalem and to His very purpose for being on earth. His disciples and the crowds follow Him.  They have heard Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the tax collector - one self-righteous and one justified.  They observe the rich young ruler as he walks away saddened by the thought of giving up everything, for eternal life and treasure in Heaven. They see Him bless the children, heal the blind and to those closest to Him,  He will speak of the torture, death and resurrection of the Son of Man.  Luke is the only gospel writer to include the story about Zacchaeus.  Why?

 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

All we really know about Zaccheaus is that he is in Jericho.  He is a chief or leader-level tax collector.  He is rich and he is vertically challenged - a fellow that is shorter than many of the men around him.  Usually the study will stop here and only move forward to discuss Zacchaeus’ occupation and the fact that he is wealthy.  Let’s challenge ourselves to look just a little deeper. 

This Jericho is a rebuild of the Old Testament city destroyed by Joshua.  At the time of Jesus it is a bustling agriculture and trade city. This city was built about a mile south of the original Jericho.  Herod the Great liked this area so well that he built a winter palace there.   It is the cross roads for many major trade routes and the wealthy Romans, prestigious political leaders, and many of the priests and Levites live here. In this new Jericho, there are also many poor and disabled.  This is where the blind beggar is healed. Many praised God for the beggar’s healing.   And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved thee. And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. (Luke 18:42-43).

The road linking Jericho to Jerusalem in about 15 miles long and was notorious for robbers and thieves.  It was an area everyone understood as Jesus spoke the parable of the Good Samaritan.    

And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 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.

Zacchaeus wants to see Jesus.  Understanding the population of Jericho at that time, there are possibly a lot of wealthy people also hoping to catch a glimpse ofJesus.  There are many occupations represented in the crowd. Politicians, religious leaders, and possibly notorious Herodians!  What makes Zacchaeus different?   

Zacchaeus will have to overcome some obstacles if he wants to actually see Jesus.  He will run ahead - which at that time, for a Jewish man defied their laws of modesty and constraint. His stature  in the crowd  will hinder him, unless he climbs up on something.  He climbs up a Sycamore tree. It is also called the Sycamore- fig.  It has low limbs and broad branches.   Used in scripture to represent humility and spiritual awakening, this tree is a gathering spot and a food source for the poor.   What does that tell us about his determination to see Jesus?  What obstacles are we willing to overcome to just get to Him? What will God place in our way to help us? 

Another obstacle: pride.  Zacchaeus cannot worry about what people think or how others define him.  He already knows he is despised as a traitor and accused as a thief.   He also knows that Jesus has been healing, raising the dead, and teaching. He wants to reach Jesus for himself. 

And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 

Zacchaeus hurries.  Jesus called him by name!  Jesus noticed! He is happy, joyful, to allow Jesus into his home! There will always be naysayers,  skeptics, and scorners. Zacchaeus had disregarded their jealousy, pride, greed, and opinions.  

It is not the body of Christ’s job to keep people away from Jesus.  It is their job to get them to Jesus. At the time of this story the crucifixion and resurrection have not occurred.  Everyone is a little fuzzy on what is happening with the plan of salvation and the new covenant.  Today, however, there is no excuse for our discouragement of others or respect of persons. 

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.⁹ And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

Zachaeus has already made some changes.  Either that or Luke has his verb tenses messed up.  Zachaeus doesn’t say he “will “ do,  he says he “does” give to the poor and  he restores what has been taken falsely.  Interestingly, it is not enough just to do good things.  It is important to start with the desire to see and know Jesus, then to believe who Jesus is. 

Zacchaeus is a son of Abraham.   This one is of the people that Jesus refers to as “one of his own.” He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John:11-12) He is a Jew.  Not all of the Jews rejected Jesus as the son of God. This one believes. 

 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

God loves us this much!  To send His only begotten Son to a humanity separated from himself by sin.  Zacchaeus knew what people thought; however, he cared more about what Jesus thought ! Sometimes it is easy to forget that we are not able to read the hearts and minds of others.  We do not always know how to judge the intent just by looking at the outside. Our trust and confidence needs to be firmly, determinedly, placed in the Son of Man.  We are not the author of the plan to reconcile God to man. We cannot get to God without God first giving us the pathway.  The road is narrow.  The admission price is Jesus. 

One must be purposeful in the desire of coming face to face with Jesus.  It will not happen without  intention and dedication.  Wealth and status are not goals, they are tools that God allows and uses to both bless us and to allow us to bless others. Whether your abundance is in strength, or wealth, or talent the end goal is not that you succeed to claim your place and exalt  yourself.  The goal is a right relationship with God.  Despite the adversity or criticisms of others.  Don’t think too much of yourself when people praise you.  Humans are fickle, and praise is usually short-lived.  Don’t think too poorly of yourself when people criticize. You are not aiming to please people.  Please God.

Thank you for studying with us! God bless!