Luke 19:1-10

Luke reveals Christ's love once again for the outcasts of society, specifically a tax collector (cf. Luke 3:12; 7:29; 15:1; 18:10). Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector and rich (Luke 19:2; cf. Luke 18:9-14; 18:18-30). As Jesus travels through Jericho, Zacchaeus desire to see who Jesus was. He was a man of small stature so he went up into a sycamore tree to see him. Of course, Jesus was not accidentally passing by this way - it was a predetermined route. Jesus even says, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I MUST (dei) stay at your house today . . . " (Luke 19:5, 10). So, he came down at once and welcomed him gladly (Luke 19:6). Joy is often a response to the presence of Christ (Luke 1:14; 2:10; 10:20; 13:17; 15:5, 32; 19:37; 24:41, 52).

Some of the people were saying among themselves that Jesus "has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner'" (Luke 19:7); he was after all a tax collector - the chief tax collector (Luke 19:2). But, Zacchaeus was repentant; which is a gift of grace (2 Tim. 2:24-26; cf. Luke 3:8). He says, "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). True repentance (a gift) is meant with salvation (a gift). Luke says, "Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9). Even a rich man may be saved by grace (Gal. 3:8); he may pass through the "eye of a needle" (Luke 18:25). Jesus' mission is clear, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost" (Luke 19:10; cf. Luke 5:32; cf. 4:18-19; 15:47; Ezek. 34:16). He comes to do what is impossible for man to do.

Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for his impending death in Jerusalem. This would be the culmination of God's plan to save a people for himself (see Rom. 3:21-26).

Jesus was still making his way toward Jerusalem (see note on 9:51).

Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus means "clean, pure or innocent." chief tax collector. Tax collectors were local Jewish men who were despised in ancient Israel for working with Rome (see note on 3:12). As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus would have either worked with a group of collectors or oversaw collection or tolls between Judea and Perea. Given his prominence, he would been considered especially sinful by the community. rich. Typical for a tax collector. Luke highlighted this fact as he previously recorded Jesus's teaching on the difficulty of the rich being saved (18:24-25). Yet, in Zacchaeus, we see that nothing is impossible for God (v. 9; 18:26-27).

Zacchaeus wanted to know Jesus, but was hindered by his small stature and uncaring crowd (see note on v. 2).

ran . . . climbed. Unusual actions for a man in ancient Israel. Zacchaeus abandoned dignity and decorum in order to know who Jesus was. He was driven by more than curiosity (v. 9). sycamore tree. Similar to an oak tree, it had a short trunk and wide branches. This made it easy to climb.

Jesus knew Zacchaeus and took the initiative to enter into a relationship with him. This was evidence that Jesus came to seek and save sinners (v. 10). must stay. The only time we see Jesus invite himself to a person's house. Such action was as rare as Zacchaeus' running and climbing in that culture. Yet, his word must indicated his stay was part of God's sovereign plan (v. 9; see 2:49; 9:22; 15:32).

Zacchaeus wasn't put off by Jesus's self-invitation (v. 5). Just the opposite, he was delighted that Jesus would stay with him.

A common criticism against Jesus (5:30; 7:39; 15:1-2).

Being with Jesus has brought salvation (v. 9) and the changed life that flows from believing the gospel (3:8; see Tit. 2:11-14). half. Zacchaeus went from selfish acts of greed to righteous displays of generosity and sacrifice (see note on 3:21). four times. He also sought to make restitution for his previous over-collection of taxes. The amount of repayment is based on the Old Testament law (see Exod. 22:1; 2 Sam. 12:6). See WCF 15.5; WLC 141, 145.

Luke passed over the dinner conversation between Zacchaeus and Jesus. But he records the results — repentance and faith. salvation. To be rescued from the power and penalty of sin. It is a summary word for all that God does for his people in Christ. Through his saving work, God brings them into his kingdom and gives them eternal life (see notes on 18:24-30; John 3:1-18; Rom. 3:21-26). Zacchaeus believed Jesus and was saved from his sins by grace through faith. son of Abraham. Not just a person of physical descent. Zacchaeus exercised faith in God's promises like Abraham (Rom. 4:1-3, 16). This brought salvation and made him a true, spiritual descendent (Gal. 3:7; see notes on 3:8; 13:16).

Zacchaeus's transformation was an example of why Jesus came into the world. Son of Man. See note on 5:22-24. save . . . lost. A metaphor for those who are rescued from their sins (15:24; Matt. 10:6; 15:24; see notes on 5:32; 19:9).