Recently, I was blessed with a greater understanding concerning Zaccheus, and the dealings of God in his life. There is much in this passage which I believe our Lord wishes to speak to our hearts! The following are some of these thoughts in a verse by verse outline of Luke 19:1-10.
Verse
1: “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.”
Jesus
was passing through the city of Jericho, on foot, en route Jerusalem, during the height of His fame. There He would suffer and die to purchase salvation for mankind.
He was “Messiah” = The Anointed One; “Logos” = the Word (who) was God; “Immanuel”
= God with us. He was God of all the Earth, incarnate: The image of the invisible
God!
Jericho
defined, is: “A place of fragrance: A noted city, abounding in balsam, honey, cyprus, myrobalanus, roses, and
other fragrant products. It was near the north shore of the Dead Sea in the tribe of Benjamin, between Jerusalem and the Jordan
River (Thayer’s Greek Definition’s).
Verse
2: “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.”
Zaccheus,
and all Publicans, were abhorred by the Jews, and looked down upon as rank heathen.
At the same time, he was acknowledged as the head (chief one) among the tax collectors of that area. “Jericho was an important trading point for balsam and other things, and so Zacchaeus was the head
of the tax collections in this region, a sort of commissioner of taxes who probably had other publicans serving under him”
(Robertson’s Word Pictures).
He
had become wealthy through extracting more revenue than was required by Rome, which was blatant robbery! The citizens had no choice but to render what was required of them, or else suffer a worse fate. Powerful, hated, greatly feared, and one who would make himself rich by making others poor; it would seem
that Zaccheus’ had a heart of stone! Those refusing to “pay up,”
met with imprisonment and sometimes, death.
Verse
3: “And he sought to see Jesus who He was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.”
It
must have been an unusual sight to see such an assembly of people in his city, and to see how everyone’s attention was
drawn to Jesus. This multitude of people surrounding Jesus must have been great
in number, for Zaccheus was anxious to catch even a glimpse of Jesus. (Who was
this stranger in Jericho, causing such a stir?) Alas, he could not see over the
heads of the people! Imagine the roar of the crowd, as the curious pressed their
way in, to gain a closer look. Because many were en route Jerusalem, to celebrate
Passover, the crowds were much larger than usual.
Verse
4: “And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him: for He was to pass that way.”
He
anticipated the direction of the agitated crowd, and running ahead, found a vantage point from the boughs of a sycamore tree. He was determined to see this One whom he had heard some claim to be the Messiah! Unique among that tumultuous milling crowd, Zaccheus, from his prized station, had
unwittingly become a most vulnerable point of reference, for the all-seeing and all-knowing eyes of Jesus Christ! Despite his sinful lifestyle and dejected status by the citizens of Jericho, Zaccheus could not help himself! He undoubtedly, in and of himself, would have been more likely to lurk in the shadows,
seeking to avoid the scrutiny and scorn of his despisers. It seems quite clear
that something far greater; something far more powerful than any propensities within the personality of Zaccheus, had
come to bear upon him! This, along with his unvarnished earnestness, had proven
stronger than any sense of shame or timidity he may have felt! Suddenly, he no
longer shrank from public opinion, scorn, or vilification as the “rich and infamous tax collector;” the extorting
publican who had for so long overcharged and cheated; making life all the more miserable for the poor and oppressed in that
city.
The sycamore tree: “Sycamore (συκομορέαν), From “συκη,” = fig-tree, and “μόρον,”
= the mulberry; the fig-mulberry, resembling the fig in its fruit, and the
mulberry in its leaves... Dr. Thomson says that it bears several crops yearly, which grow on short stems along the trunk and the large branches. They are very insipid, and none but the poorer classes eat them. Hence Amos expresses the fact that he belongs to the humblest class of the community, by calling himself
a gatherer of sycamore fruit (Amos 7:14). It grows with its large branches
low down and wide open, so that Zacchaeus could easily have climbed into it” (Robertson’s Word Pictures).
The
rich man found himself in the “poor man’s tree!” Surely some
power beyond himself, that day motivated his actions! This is a clear picture
of the prideful and arrogant soul being made willing to humble itself, and engage in desperate action in order to fulfill
the sovereignly orchestrated drawing at work, by the Holy Spirit.
Verse 5: “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.”
Jesus
came directly to the perch of Zaccheus, and He there looked up above the crowd; seeing an anxious and troubled man, who had
broken through the confining restraints of socially accepted behavior! There,
surrounded by the religious leaders and the turbulent crowd, many of whom despised also the lowly Jesus of Nazareth, Zaccheus
was brought by Divine design, to a strange and completely unexpected confrontation with Truth, Integrity, and Righteousness!
Amidst
the cacophonous din of the hysterical crowd, Jesus walked straightway to that ancient tree, and fixed His eyes upon Zaccheus. At that instant, the throng fell suddenly silent, and waited with rapt attention,
for what would come next. Jesus lifted His voice with clarity and authority,
piercing the dust-laden air like a whetted sword: “ZACCHEUS!!! COME
DOWN AT ONCE!!!”
This
man of little stature, a man used to getting “more,” this time got more than he had bargained for! Now the attention of the entire crowd was focused upon Jesus and Zaccheus.
In this breathless moment, their eyes met, and for the first time in his life, Zaccheus was being addressed by a Jew,
in a most respectful manner. He had known only scorn and utter rejection of these
people, precipitated by his unrighteous dealings and tyranny upon them. All his
life he had been relegated to the status of a “heathen;” most likely believing that because the people of God
rejected him, he was also rejected by God. (Truly, his life must have been one
of deep depression, despair, and hopelessness, is as always the case with persons who suffer great hatred and rejection!)
“Zaccheus! Make haste! Come down! Today, I must abide at thy house!”
Up
until this point in his life, there was no motivation or reason for Zaccheus to desire to live in an honest and integritous
fashion. In one sense, he was truly a victim of circumstance, which coupled with
his natural greed and covetousness, chained and fettered him, and kept him within a vicious cycle of behavior, from which
he could not escape. So long as he lived, he determined to make himself rich. No doubt, this served as compensation (hollow reward that it was) for the vicious
hatred he endured year after year. We may well imagine that this embittered man
had little sense of pity and compassion upon his victims. He had become calloused
and hardened by robbing from the poor, and regarding not the suffering of the destitute! He most likely hated and despised
others in the same manner which he was himself, hated and despised!
As
a child, he most likely wondered what it must be like to be loved and accepted by God.
He may very well have at one time, desired to be counted among the righteous.
Tragically, there was offered not one ray of hope by the “Law,” or by its custodians! Perhaps he at an early age developed a deep seated self-hatred; abhorring himself, but gradually become
so hardened by life, and blinded by riches, that he abandoned all hope of reformation.
“Zaccheus
! ! !”
Furthermore,
Zaccheus would have by this time been familiar with some of the teachings of Jesus, as they would have been a curiosity among
the people, and in some instances, a cause célèbre. Considering the circulation
of earnest testimonies of healings, miracles, and release from evil spirits (even the raising of the dead), Zaccheus would
have surmised that this Jesus of Nazareth, while a Rabbi, was markedly different than other religious leaders. His new message: “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand,” was still reverberating through
the area, from the time of John the Baptist, who had preached and baptized many, not far from Jericho, in the Jordan River. Zaccheus may very well have been familiar with the fact that Jesus was known to forgive
sins, and to associate with those considered “unclean” by the Pharisees.
Jesus’ fame had spread throughout all the region! Zaccheus seized
his opportunity to observe this Prophet-Rabbi in the flesh!
“Zaccheus
! ! ! Come down ! ! ! I need
to go to YOUR house ! ! ! Today ! ! !”
Their
eyes met, and at that moment something happened! There was an impartation! Zaccheus had just heard a Word from God! Faith
entered his heart! Surely Zaccheus was aware that Jesus would come immediately
under the indignation of the crowd, for speaking so benevolently to him; much less for desiring to abide at his home! By climbing up into the sycamore tree, Zaccheus had made a bold statement; little
did he realize that so doing was indeed an act of faith.
At
this juncture, he was impervious to public opinion and censure! His life had
been suddenly and unexpectedly interrupted; yea, seized and captured by this stranger from Galilee, who was now more than
willing to be associated with such a public outcast. It was a given that by His
expression of compassion and forgiveness for Zaccheus, Jesus was to incur the disfavor and scorn of the religionists!
Verse
6: “And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.”
Jesus
told him to make haste and come down, and this is exactly what Zaccheus did! God
spoke, and Zaccheus obeyed; receiving Jesus with great joy! What illumination
must have flooded his soul! (A joy unspeakable and full of glory!) The word “joy,” here, means literally: “with rejoicing!” Zaccheus rejoiced openly and unashamedly in the face of the antagonists, as he received the Word with gladness!!! Amen! There is a call going forth to
receive our Lord’s Word with gladness, not regarding the disapproval of the gainsayers, unbelievers, and skeptics!
Verse
7: “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”
They
ALL “murmured!” (a very strong word in the Greek, only used in the case of a crowd of people; a corporate
disapproval with indignation, complaining, and gainsaying!) Jesus had invited
Himself to be the guest of the “chief-sinner” of the region, and to abide in the home of one who had mercilessly
stolen from, and oppressed nearly every one of them!
It
is amazing how the anointing, when it is truly flowing, suddenly agitates many who claim to be spiritual; and furthermore,
how they murmur and complain against the true move of God, with indignation, rage, anger, and the air of accusation!
Verse
8: “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.”
ZACCHEUS REPENTED! He brought forth fruits worthy of
repentance! He truly desired to be made righteous! He went from being a curious spectator, to getting right with God; caring nothing for the slander
of the people! He admitted to taking from men by false accusation! Zaccheus called Jesus: “Lord!” Zaccheus stood
and made this declaration before the crowd, for them to hear as well! He was
making a vow to make his promise good, right then and there, to all whom he had extorted!
To restore someone “fourfold” was the requirement under Jewish law, for the repayment by a thief (Exodus
22:1).
Why
could Zaccheus suddenly do this? The love of God entered his heart, in
one second of time! He discovered that he could be accepted among the Brethren. For the first time in his life, he felt accepted by God, even though the religionists
would still not accept him; even turning against Jesus, as a result. God’s
love entered his heart, which was more than he deserved, so that same love could manifest through him, showing unmerited favor
unto those whom he had injured.
Verse
9: “And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.”
All
his life, Zaccheus was conditioned to believe that he was unworthy to be called a Son of Abraham, and to be a partaker of
the blessings of Abraham and the household of faith. Now Jesus, the God of
Abraham (Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” – John 8:58) declared unto him that he was SAVED! Not only he, but that salvation had come unto his household! Jesus declared to Zaccheus that he was a “Son of Abraham!” (The very position for which he had undoubtedly longed, with the despairing agony, that due to the dictates
of the Law, such in his life could never be possible.)
“...For
if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given
to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut
up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was
our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But
after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all
the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been
baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there
is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:21-29).
Jesus
was declaring to the crowd: “...This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” He was informing those “Children of Abraham” as to whom the Children of
Abraham truly are; being those who humble themselves and bring forth “fruits worthy of repentance.” Zaccheus was no longer unclean; no longer alienated from God; no longer unacceptable! Jesus saw the true heart of Zaccheus and on the basis of a heart-repentance, and a heart-decision made
by him, Jesus publically confirmed him as a “Son of Abraham;” thereby receiving Zaccheus as one of His own! Moreover, He made the household of Zaccheus acceptable, and brought salvation unto
all of them!
Verse
10: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
This
is why Jesus came! The name “Zaccheus” means: “Pure,”
“Righteous,” “Justified!” Jesus called this sinner by
the name of Zaccheus! We need more of this Spirit of Christ in our hearts! God deliver us from a judgmental spirit! He
lives in us, and He is seeking and saving that which is lost, through us in this hour!
This
account should inspire faith in our hearts who are able ministers of the New Covenant, because we will encounter seekers who
are curious, and in a moment of time, the same anointing on Jesus that day, can operate to the saving of such! We should expect to see God radically save people with quick and powerful conviction.
“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 1:12).
We
are all as Zaccheus, because we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God!
It is by God’s grace (unmerited favor) that we have been saved and justified!
Therefore, to withhold that same grace, with a judgmental condemnation of others, is completely opposed to the Spirit
of Christ! It is a Pharisaical spirit which is in rebellion against the Word
of God and His blessed Holy Spirit. In some cases, such a spirit can even border
upon that of being a spirit of antichrist!
What
spirit shall we be of? Shall we be counted with those whom Jesus called: “blind
guides,” “white-washed sepulchers,” later referred to, as: “having a form of godliness, but denying
the power thereof?” Or shall we be numbered with those who are outside
the camp, bearing the reproach of Jesus Christ; following the Lamb withersoever He goeth?
Apart
from the saving grace of our Lord, we are all hopeless sinners; utterly lost, and without hope in this world or the world
to come! Our only hope is to seek the Lord Jesus, and to have Him see us and
declare unto us that as “Zaccheus,” we are, through His grace, made pure, righteous, and justified! “There is none righteous, no not one!” “All
have sinned and come short of the glory of God!” “The Lord hath laid
upon Him the iniquity of us all!” He is the one who makes us “the
righteousness of God in Christ Jesus!” “For by grace are ye saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works lest any man should boast!”
