Normally we see Jesus seeking out the poor and destitute and preaching against the rich and powerful. Here we see Jesus seeking out the rich and powerful. The Gospel is radical because it is for everyone. This balances the account of the rich young ruler. 

Vs 1-4 Who is Zacchaeus?

Jericho is known as the city of palms. It was a rich resort, suburb of Jerusalem. Lots of priests lived there as well as the elite. It was also a vacation destination. Being a chief tax collector in the richest city in Israel meant Zacchaeus was VERY rich. He sold his family inheritance (abandoning their association with their people and family) to buy into this job. He got his riches by working for the enemy occupier through extortion. He is finding that wealth is not fulfilling like he thought it would be and he risks being in a crowd who would stab him to death if given the chance to see what Jesus was about. He doesn’t try to bribe Jesus to come to him. He puts himself in danger and embarrasses himself to see Jesus. Grown men and men of dignity don’t climb trees. He climbed into a gross, poor person’s fruit tree. It was called a “silly fruit tree.” 

Am I too prideful to pursue Jesus for fear of looking silly?

Vs 5-7 Why did Jesus say, “I MUST stay at your house?”

Jesus was intending to pass through Jericho. It was logistical. The statement expresses joy and excitement. We imagine Jesus as stoic, but he was real. He expressed emotion and got excited about things. Jesus must have been delighted that someone who seems to have it all was open and interested in knowing Jesus. 

Have you considered that Jesus doesn’t just put up with you? He genuinely likes you. It was for the JOY of having you that he endured the cross. Jesus jumps over the cultural norms and he invites himself over. It was dishonorable and disrespectful to invite yourself into someone’s home especially when you have no connection to them. Eating with a tax collector would be detestable because they would not be careful about tithing and ceremonial cleanliness. Ministry happens in the home as much or more so than in religious spaces. How does my home play a role in that?

Vs 8-10 How does Zacchaeus respond?

Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus is in stark contrast to the grumbling of the crowd. True repentance necessarily seeks restoration in the relationship. Outer evidence must accompany inner transformation. We err in two ways. Either we think you aren’t saved until you shape up and change or we think no outer change is necessary as long as you feel sorry. The indicative causes the imperative. You ARE saved. Now CHANGE how you live. Jesus declares what he sees has happened in Zacchaeus. Jesus says he gets to decide who is redeemed. 

Jesus is committed to the mission of his Father to seek and save the lost. He saw that Zacchaeus’ heart was ripe and ready. All other plans get put on hold for the sake of the lost.