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Author: Stephen Weller
774 words, 4 minutes read time

Zacchaeus Finds Salvation

Scripture: Luke 19:7-10

In the previous lesson, Jesus saw Zacchaeus up in the tree and told him to come down so that he could go with him to his house. In this lesson we will see what happens as this event develops further.

^{Lk 19:7} “And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.”’

From this verse it is clear that the people knew Zacchaeus and how he made a living as they referred to him as a sinner. In their minds they felt one should avoid spending time with sinners, and as they watch Jesus made contact with Zacchaeus and then go with him to his home, those who were following Jesus began to grumble that he would lower himself to be a guest in the home of a sinner.

^{Lk 19:8} “And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”’

Being confronted by Jesus, Zacchaeus was convicted of his sin and demonstrates a changed life by confessing what he is going to do. He says to Jesus, in the hearing of the people, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.”

In Luke 12:15 (ESV), Jesus said: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Then in Luke 12:33 – 34 (ESV) Jesus instructs the people to ³³ “Sell [their] possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Jesus has pointed out to the people in the past to be careful about gathering up possessions for themselves. Instead, one should use more of their resources to help the poor. Standing before Jesus, Zacchaeus comes to grips with this and says he will give half of his possessions to the poor and to those he may have defrauded, he would restore fourfold.

^{Lk 19:9} “And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”’

Even though Jesus was speaking to Zacchaeus, his statement was directed to the people who had grumbled. If Jesus had walked by the tree and ignored Zacchaeus, he would not have come under conviction and found salvation. Jesus wanted the grumblers to see the purpose of connecting with sinners. How else are they to find salvation if those who can testify refuse to do so? The fact that Zacchaeus found salvation shows that with God all things are possible in that Zacchaeus, a rich man was saved. In Luke 18:24 – 27 (ESV) Jesus said: ²⁴ “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” ²⁶ Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” ²⁷ But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

The reference Jesus makes about Zacchaeus being “a son of Abraham” can be seen both physically and spiritually. According to Galatians 3:7, those of faith are sons of Abraham. By his actions, Zacchaeus shows that he is a true son of Abraham by faith not just a physical descendent.

The final statement of Jesus that he as the Son of Man who came to seek and to save the lost, provides the reason he stops to meet Zacchaeus and then go to his home, and also summarizes his mission. In Luke 5:32, Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. In Luke 15:4, he indicates the importance of seeking the lost.

Conclusion

Jesus came to seek and save the lost and provide their salvation through his death on the cross. Our mission is to search for the lost by sharing the gospel and when they are found, we are to rejoice over the fact that he who was lost is found and he who was dead is now alive. Are you thankful that someone brought the gospel to you?