Like most of us, I have heard the story of Zacchaeus since I was very young. We sang the song in VBS about the wee little man that climbed a tree to see Jesus. Though the basic facts of this story were not incorrectly taught, it is a lesson far more meaningful than the simple song and children’s version. It’s for adults too.

We read about Zacchaeus in Luke 19. It is true that he was of small stature, but it is not necessarily true that he was a midget. That is the way, however, children picture him. It doesn’t really matter how tall he was, only what was in his heart.

When he learned that Jesus was going to be near Jericho, (about 17 miles from Jerusalem), he wanted to see this man. Jesus’ reputation followed Him everywhere, and the crowds had obviously gathered to see and hear this remarkable man. Zacchaeus was one of those, but he was unable to catch a glimpse of Him because the crowd blocked his view. So, he climbed a tree.

When Jesus passed by, He looked up into the tree and called him by name. Jesus knew the man, and He knew his heart. Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down because He was going to his house. I can only imagine the feeling Zacchaeus had when He knew this famous man was going to his home. Thoughts surely went through his mind. Is the house clean? Do I have food for a guest? How should I act? What will we talk about?

Because Zacchaeus was a “chief tax collector” and wealthy, he would not have been viewed as anyone worth Jesus’ visit. There is no indication that he received his money by cheating the people or those tax collectors that worked under him. He makes a declaration that he gives half of his goods to the poor. He also says that if he has defrauded anyone “by false accusation” he will restore to him four times what he has taken.

There is much discussion as to whether he was already doing this or if he was making a promise to do it. What really matters is that his heart was in the right place, and Jesus declares that salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ house. He also declares that Zacchaeus is “a son of Abraham.”

As with many prominent stories in Scripture, we stop before the story is completed. The second part of the story is Jesus’ telling the parable of the nobleman that went into a far country to accept a kingdom, leaving his ten servants with money to trade or invest. When he returned, two of the servants had doubled their money. A third had wrapped his in a napkin and hidden it. We have no record of what the other seven did, except that the citizens sent a messenger ahead of him to refuse his leadership.

Of course, the meaning is Jesus’ leaving this earth, returning to heaven, and then returning for the faithful. It was, as with other parables, a slap at the Jewish rulers that their attitude might work on earth; but it certainly wouldn’t work when the Lord returns.

Our lessons are simple ones. First, there is a lesson on wealth. No matter how he came to be wealthy, Zacchaeus was searching for something else. Money and possessions are not enough, no matter what man may think.

Second, the only faith Jesus applauds is an active faith. Zacchaeus was diligently seeking this man of profound reputation. He put himself where he couldn’t miss the Christ. He put his faith to work by his every-day actions.

Third, this is a lesson on compassion. Though Jesus and Zacchaeus experienced criticism, Jesus felt this man’s desire to know Him. The best way to get to know someone is through genuine hospitality and compassion for the lost soul. Jesus offered him a look into what the faithful had to look forward to when the nobleman in the story returned.

Fourth, this story shows signs of repentance. Zacchaeus wanted Jesus to know that he would make good on any mistakes he made. We cannot live our lives without the constant awareness of the need for repentance.

Last, this is a lesson about salvation. The Jews would have never called Zacchaeus a son of Abraham, something the Pharisees would not acknowledge for any tax collector. He was offered salvation because of his man’s heart, and Jesus acknowledged his heritage as a Jew, a descendant of Abraham.

An active faith is what is behind all of these lessons. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” The sons of Abraham were admonished to “search after him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

The same is true for us today, and the story of Zacchaeus is not for kids only.

Sandra Oliver