Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)
Introduction to the Story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10
The story of Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who encounters Jesus in the city of Jericho, is one of the most well-known passages in the Gospel of Luke. It not only highlights Jesus’ mission to seek and save the lost but also challenges our understanding of repentance, grace, and transformation.
Before we dive into the text and explore the remarkable story, let’s understand how tax collectors were viewed in the Bible.
A row of sycamore trees lining a path, symbolizing the type of tree Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus in the Bible. Though we don’t know how tall the sycamore tree was that Zacchaeus climbed, they are known for their sturdy trunks and wide branches, offering a perfect vantage point.
Tax Collectors in the Bible
In biblical times, tax collectors were among the most despised individuals in society. They were often viewed as traitors who collaborated with the Roman Empire, collecting taxes from their fellow Jews and sometimes extorting them for personal gain. Their role placed them on the fringes of society, and they were considered ceremonially unclean. Understanding the role of the tax collector in the Bible is essential to grasp the profound significance of Jesus’ interactions with them.
Tax collectors were known for their corruption, and this reputation is highlighted in various biblical stories, including that of Zacchaeus and Matthew. Despite their low social status and reputation for dishonesty, Jesus’ willingness to engage with them reveals his mission to bring salvation to the lost, no matter their past.
Who Was the Tax Collector in the Bible?
Throughout the Gospels, a few tax collectors stand out, each playing a significant role in illustrating God’s grace and redemption. The tax collector in the Bible is not merely a villain; these figures serve as examples of how Jesus reaches out to sinners and offers them a chance for transformation.
Zacchaeus – Perhaps the most famous tax collector in the Bible, Zacchaeus is introduced in Luke 19. He was a chief tax collector in Jericho and had become wealthy through his work with the Romans. His encounter with Jesus marked the beginning of his repentance and a complete turnaround in his life. We will see a verse-by-verse breakdown of his story just below.
Matthew – Also known as Levi, Matthew was a tax collector whom Jesus called to follow him (Matthew 9:9). Matthew’s story is significant because it illustrates that even those with the most questionable professions are not beyond the reach of God’s grace.
Caravaggio’s painting of the Calling of St. Matthew is astounding and evocative. See it and read about it here.
Other tax collectors mentioned in the Gospels include the unnamed tax collector in Luke 5, and various references to tax collectors in Jesus’ parables, including the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. These stories underscore the biblical message that no one is beyond redemption, regardless of their background or profession.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 19:1-10 and Commentary
Luke 19:1-2
“He entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich.”
As Jesus passes through Jericho, a city known for its trade routes and proximity to the Jordan River, he encounters Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus is described as a “chief tax collector,” which means he wasn’t just a collector but likely supervised other tax collectors. Tax collectors were notoriously hated in Jewish society because they often overcharged the people and pocketed the excess, collaborating with the Roman occupiers. Zacchaeus’ wealth would have come at the expense of many, and his position made him an outcast in his community.
In the context of Luke’s Gospel, Jericho holds significance. Not only was it a key city for trade and travel, but it also played a role in other stories of healing and transformation (e.g., the healing of Bartimaeus in Luke 18:35-43). Zacchaeus, despite his wealth and status, is about to experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus.
What sticks out to me is that in the prior story, Jesus enters Jericho and heals a blind beggar, someone who is isolated and has no money. Here, with Zacchaeus, Jesus befriends and “heals spiritually” someone who is isolated and has lots of money.
Luke 19:3-4
“And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.”
Zacchaeus, despite his power and wealth, is seeking something more—he wants to see Jesus. However, the crowd and his height (or lack thereof) pose a barrier to his desire. This moment of humility is striking: a wealthy man, a leader in the community, running and climbing a tree just to get a glimpse of Jesus. Zacchaeus’ actions demonstrate a deep hunger for something beyond his riches, something his wealth cannot provide.
In a similar way, many people today may have everything the world offers but still feel an emptiness within. Zacchaeus’ pursuit of Jesus is a reminder that, no matter our status, true fulfillment is found only in encountering Christ.
Luke 19:5-6
“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.’ So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully.”
Here, Jesus does something unexpected: He calls Zacchaeus by name, which indicates His deep awareness and personal knowledge of him. The fact that Jesus knows Zacchaeus’ name speaks volumes about God’s intimate knowledge of each of us. Zacchaeus, likely shocked and overjoyed, comes down quickly, demonstrating his eagerness to receive Jesus.
This interaction shows us that Jesus knows us intimately, even when we are far from Him. He doesn’t wait for us to come to Him perfectly; He comes to us just as we are, offering grace and salvation.
Luke 19:7
“And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’”
The crowd’s reaction is one of disdain and judgment. They see Zacchaeus as a sinner beyond redemption, as the tax collectors were viewed as traitors. Their grumbling reflects a common belief that certain people are too far gone to be saved. This is a stark contrast to Jesus’ approach. He doesn’t shy away from the sinner but draws near, offering salvation.
This moment is a reminder to us to not judge others based on their past or status. Jesus extends grace to all, and we are called to do the same.
Luke 19:8
“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.’”
Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus is one of repentance and transformation. His statement shows the immediate effect of Jesus’ grace. He promises to give half of his wealth to the poor and restore four times what he may have defrauded others. This isn’t just a symbolic gesture but an act of true repentance. Zacchaeus is not only confessing his sins but also taking tangible steps to right the wrongs he has committed.
For us today, Zacchaeus’ actions serve as a model for repentance. True repentance involves not just words but a change in behavior—turning away from sin and towards justice and compassion.
Luke 19:9
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.’”
Jesus’ declaration that “salvation has come to this house” is a powerful affirmation of Zacchaeus’ transformation. By calling Zacchaeus a “son of Abraham,” Jesus acknowledges that Zacchaeus is part of God’s covenant people, despite his past. Jesus sees beyond Zacchaeus’ sin and identifies him as someone worthy of salvation.
This is a profound reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Regardless of our past, when we turn to Jesus in faith and repentance, we are fully accepted into his family.
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
This verse encapsulates the mission of Jesus. The story of Zacchaeus is not just about the transformation of one man; it illustrates the heart of Jesus’ ministry. Jesus came to seek out the lost, those marginalized and rejected by society, and offer them salvation.
As followers of Christ, we are called to join in this mission—seeking out the lost and extending the grace we’ve received to others.
How Many Tax Collectors Did Jesus Encounter?
Given the context of Zacchaeus’ story, it’s worth exploring how often Jesus interacted with tax collectors. Throughout the Gospels, we see multiple instances where Jesus engages with these individuals, often considered social outcasts. Here’s a brief list of notable tax collectors in the Bible:
1. Matthew (Levi) – Matthew was a tax collector before Jesus called him to be a disciple (Matthew 9:9).
2. Zacchaeus – The chief tax collector in Jericho, whose encounter with Jesus in Luke 19 led to his repentance and transformation (Luke 19:1-10).
3. Levi (another name for Matthew) – A tax collector from the region of Capernaum, mentioned in Luke 5:27-32.
In all of these cases, Jesus’ willingness to associate with tax collectors shows his mission to bring salvation to the outcasts of society.
Why Jesus Called Tax Collectors
Jesus’ inclusion of tax collectors in the Bible is a powerful testimony of his mission. Jesus didn’t shy away from associating with those considered the lowest in society. He called tax collectors like Zacchaeus and Matthew because they recognized their need for grace. Their willingness to repent and change sets them apart from those who are self-righteous and resistant to change.
In calling these individuals, Jesus demonstrated that no one is beyond redemption. The story of Jesus reaching out to tax collectors is a reminder that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their past actions or status in society.
Meaning for Today
The story of Zacchaeus is more than just the conversion of an individual; it’s a picture of God’s heart for the lost. It challenges us to evaluate our own response to Jesus. Are we willing to pursue Him with the same urgency as Zacchaeus? Are we ready to repent and make restitution when we recognize the wrongs we’ve done?
Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and his invitation is extended to all—no one is beyond the reach of his grace.
