Who Is Zacchaeus?

Zacchaeus’s story can be read in the Gospel according to Luke chapter 19 verses 1 to 10. His story is famous especially among children for being a short man who climbed up the Sycamore Fig Tree just to be able to see Jesus Christ.

According to Luke 19:2, Zacchaeus “the chief among the publicans, and he was rich..” There weren’t much details about Zacchaeus but according to the people, he was a notorious sinner most probably had something to do with taxes. Most tax collectors in the days of Jesus Christ were known to be corrupt and they steal the money of people through their taxes.

"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. 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. 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. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:5-10)

But the good news of Jesus Christ stands out in this short but significant story of all times. Zacchaeus had encountered the goodness of the LORD which compelled him to change radically from the inside out:

“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. 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. 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. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:5-10)

Jesus knew the sins of Zacchaeus but the LORD called him by name, “Zacchaeus!” Through the story of Zacchaeus, God wants everyone to know that He’s not calling us by our sins. He’s not mad or angry at us because of our sins. Though He knows the wrong doings we have done, God is calling each one of us by our name.

People can sometimes put themselves down and create their own distance with God because of their sins. But this is why Jesus Christ came in the world – to seek and save those who are lost. When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus Christ was coming to his place, he was full of excitement and joy for the LORD had accepted him despite who he was.

God loves you and He wants you to know that like Zacchaeus, He is more willing to come inside your life than you think. And He is not focusing on your sins or on your weaknesses but in the transformation only He is able to do. Nothing is too hard for the LORD, and nothing is impossible with Him.

When we let Jesus in our hearts, you can be sure that great changes are about to happen and your life will never be the same again just like what had happened to Zacchaeus. Are you excited to let Jesus in your life?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

I have come to learn that you don’t call out people by their sins but by their names. I desire to know you and encounter you in my life just like Zacchaeus. Let me experience your goodness and compassion that I may become the person who God wants me to be. I am letting you in my life and take charge of all things. I am excited for what you are about to do. I give you praise and thanks Lord. Amen!

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