Today we encounter another outsider who desperately wants to see. Zacchaeus would have looked so foolish and ‘out there’ as he climbed that tree (v 4). Like the rich ruler of Luke 18:18, he actively seeks to engage with Jesus, but like the tax collector of Luke 18:13, he decides to keep his distance. It is Jesus who takes hold of Zacchaeus, a short, morally compromised outsider, with the words, ‘I must stay at your house today’ (v 5).

The rich ruler walks away despondent because he realises that his possessions were more important than he thought. Zacchaeus spontaneously realises that his possessions are getting in the way of what he really wants, so he lets them go (v 8). The ruler had high social standing. Zacchaeus was held in contempt (v 7). The ruler refuses Jesus’ invitation. Zacchaeus is overjoyed by the privilege (v 6). The contrast between these two could not be greater. 

Luke has been weaving the fabric of his message for several chapters. In this upside-down kingdom, the blind see, the rich turn away and the sons of Abraham include the least likely because of the deep, loving truth of verse 10. This king is like no other.

Reflect on how you came to faith. How unexpected was that to your friends and family? Pray for those known to you who seem to be impervious to the gospel.

The streets of Jericho are lined with people excited to see Jesus, though they’re disappointed that he is just passing through. Anyone too short to see Jesus would have been ushered to the front. But Zacchaeus can’t risk that. His job leading the local tax farmers means he’s detested locally. Too short to see from the back, he daren’t go to the front. He fears the locals will close ranks against him or even assault him. Desperate to see Jesus without being seen, he runs ahead and climbs a tree outside Jericho (things Middle Eastern adults never do).¹ 

Sycamore-fig trees offer good cover, but Zacchaeus is still spotted. It’s unclear whether Jesus is the first to spot him. Rather, I wonder if, when Jesus reaches the spot in verse 5, the crowd is enjoying abusing their chief tax collector caught humiliatingly in a tree! Their shouted abuse may have revealed Zacchaeus’ name to Jesus, rather than the Spirit. The situation is ugly. Zacchaeus is at real risk of assault. Jesus intervenes. Calling Zacchaeus by name, Jesus invites himself to stay at the house of the most despised man in the town (v 5). Everyone is astonished, not least because you never invite yourself anywhere. Inviting yourself to that man’s house is unimaginable. Zacchaeus scrambles down hurriedly and welcomes Jesus as a guest (and protector) with joy (v 6).

In placing Zacchaeus under his protection, Jesus makes himself the subject of angry muttering (v 7). How can the Messiah refuse their hospitality, then go to be the guest of such a hated sinner? Zacchaeus understands that Jesus has taken a huge risk on his behalf. At the banquet Zacchaeus throws in Jesus’ honour, he responds by promising restitution and justice. As Jesus proclaims, today salvation has come to this house.

This story beloved of Sunday schools has a hard edge to it. Where might God be calling you to show similar courage on other people’s behalf?

¹ Kenneth E Bailey, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, SPCK, 2008, p177–179