Who is Jesus like? V. 5- Jesus knew the desire Zacchaeus had for him and he stopped underneath the sycamore-fig tree that Zacchaeus climbed, looked up at him and called out his name. And by saying, “I must stay at your house”, Jesus called Zacchaeus to be part of his family. He did not yet hear him repent or confess his faith but he received Zacchaeus with the same love that the father had when he ran out to his younger son and welcomed him back home. Even if we take one step, God sees us and takes thousands of steps instantly towards us so that we meet in the middle; this is salvation.
What lesson is God teaching me Vv. 1-4- Zacchaeus, the tax collector, is a servant of Rome and received scorn and contempt but because he had great wealth people were at the same time envious and jealous of him. But as a sinner, nothing could satisfy him. Because Zacchaeus felt this way, he could do something as embarrassing as climbing a sycamore-fig tree and feel that if he only heard Jesus speak his problems would be taken care of. He received the king of heaven with a childlike heart.
Vv. 6-8- Zacchaeus was a person who could answer the question “Who then can be saved” (18:26)? Receiving Jesus changed the rich tax collector. Zacchaeus’s love made him a rich person who could pass through the eye of the needle. He says that he will give half his wealth to the poor and pay four times back to those he cheated. This shows that he is willing to give up all his possessions even if he has nothing left.
Jesus, thank you for seeking me and calling my name.
