Notes on Luke 19.1-10 November 3
Last week we looked at a story about a rich man. Jesus said that it was very difficult for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God (18.25). This week we meet another rich man. This man finds salvation (19.9). What is the difference?
Zacchaeus is a tax-collector, in fact a chief tax-collector. This means he is probably an experienced contractor who has been collecting taxes on behalf of the Roman authorities for some time. But he is not very tall, and he wouldn’t be very popular. So he cannot get to the front of the crowd to see Jesus. But he is resourceful. He climbs a tree because he wants to see who Jesus is.
Who is Jesus? Zacchaeus finds out over lunch. Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house. And Zacchaeus is very happy to have Jesus visit. Others in the crowd are not happy. They don’t think Jesus should visit “sinners”. But we know already that tax-collectors and sinners are just the people Jesus does want to meet (15.1).
Zacchaeus says he will give half his possessions to the poor, and repay anyone whom he has cheated. The rich man in the previous story was told to sell all his possessions. What is the difference? That man loved his wealth more than he loved God. This man is different. He is just rich and selfish. Now he says he will change his attitude and be both honest and generous.
Jesus says he has found salvation. Although some others think he is a “sinner” he is also a son of Abraham. God’s blessings are meant for him too.
The difference is that the Son of Man (Jesus) has come to look for the lost and to save them. The rich man in the other story came to the one who could save him but refused the salvation. This man accepts it, and shows it by his repentance.
He is no longer lost.
Dale