Our Wednesday night class at West Citrus is studying “Major Lessons From Minor Bible Characters” based on a workbook by Matt Hennecke.
Last night’s character might not seem so “minor” to those who grew up attending Bible classes and singing about him.
Can you guess who he is? Here are two hints.
He was a “wee little man.”
He climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.
If you said Zacchaeus, you’re right. His story is recorded in the Gospel of Luke 19:1-10.
He was a tax collector. The older English versions use the word “publican,” which somehow sounds worse.
Publicans had a bad reputation because they worked for the Roman government, which is why the Jews saw them as traitors. Also, they were notorious for collecting more taxes than necessary, thus increasing their income because they received a percentage.
Tax collectors were branded as greedy, dishonest extortioners who betrayed their people. In fact, the Bible often speaks of tax collectors and sinners together. Of course, it’s widely known that “birds of a feather flock together”—in other words, they suffered guilt by association.
Ironically, the name Zacchaeus means “pure” or “innocent,” though few people in Jericho would have described him that way before meeting Jesus.
However, this first-century tax collector teaches us some valuable lessons for the 21st century.
#1 Seek and You Will Find
Zacchaeus heard Jesus was passing through Jericho and wanted to see Him. Yet, because of the crowds and his short stature, his view was blocked. So Luke says he “ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him.”
Zacchaeus not only got to see Jesus, but Jesus saw him and invited Himself to eat at his house.
So, what are you pursuing in life? What are you running toward? If it’s a relationship with the Lord and the desire for a new life, Jesus said, “seek, and you will find.”
#2 No One Is Beyond God’s Grace
While Zacchaeus was viewed by his countrymen as disloyal and dishonest, Jesus saw a lost soul in need of saving. No matter your past life or the seriousness of your sins, God’s grace can reach you, redeem you, and transform your life.
#3 Jesus Sees Individuals
Zacchaeus didn’t get lost in the crowd—at least not in Jesus’ eyes. The Savior saw him. Called him by name. He spent personal time in his home.
Jesus notices people others overlook.
Jesus knows your name, your burdens, and your heart’s desire. Jesus sees seekers.
You’re not lost in the crowd of humanity; Jesus knows you and sees you.
#4 Humility Opens the Door to Change
Seeing the chief tax collector running through the streets of Jericho and climbing a tree like a little kid doesn’t sound very dignified for a person of his prominence. Yet, coming to Christ requires humility, transparency, and a willingness to swallow our pride.
Are you humble enough to do whatever it takes to “see” Jesus?
#5 Real Conversion Calls for Real Change
The Bible doesn’t record what conversations occurred at Zacchaeus’ dinner table. But his encounter with Christ caused him to pledge 50% of his wealth to the poor. Additionally, he promised to restore fourfold anything taken by false accusation.
Genuine repentance not only changes our hearts, but also our actions toward others.
When we accept Christ, the Bible says we “put off the old man” of sin and “put on the new man” of holiness and righteousness (Eph. 4:20-24).
What are you willing to give up for the Lord? How are you going to change? What difference will others see in your life?
#6 Jesus Seeks the Lost
While the Pharisees griped and grumbled because Jesus “ate with publicans and sinners,” Jesus responded that salvation had come to Zacchaeus’ house because “the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
If you’re lost, Jesus seeks you. If you are unfaithful, Jesus desires you to return to Him. If you’re lukewarm and just going through the motions of Christianity, Jesus calls you to greater diligence.
Warren Wiersbe summarized this occasion well:
“When a day begins, you never know how it will end. For Zacchaeus, that day ended in joyful fellowship with the Son of God, for he was now a changed man with a new life. Jesus is still seeking the lost and yearning to save them.”
The question remains: “Has He found you?”
—Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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