THE GOSPEL OF LUKE: - Vital Christianity

206ZACCHAEUS, THE CROOKLuke 19:1-10Jesus encountered Zacchaeus on his way through Jericho, a city known for its balsamgroves, a prosperous city being an important trade-route from Jerusalem to the East.“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by thename of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy” (vv. 1-2).This story illustrates the fact that there is hope for everyone, even the rich, even richcrooks, and that following Jesus is costly.This story is in marked contrast to that of the rich young ruler whose riches kept himfrom experiencing eternal life (18:18-30). His love of money kept him out of God’s kingdom.The story of Zacchaeus is as follows:“He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, becauseof the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Him,since Jesus was coming that way.When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus,come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came downat once and welcomed him gladly.All the people saw this and began to mutter, ‘He has gone to be the guestof a 'sinner.'But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘Look, Lord! Here and now Igive half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out ofanything, I will pay back four times the amount."Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man,too, is a son of Abraham. ‘ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save whatwas lost’" (vv. 3-10).