Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector in Jericho, a rich man but despised by those around him. When he heard that Jesus was passing through the city, curiosity made him climb a sycamore tree, because he was short and could not see over the crowd.
Jesus calls him by name
When He reached the tree, Jesus stopped and said: “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.” (Luke 19:5). Jesus knew him by name and chose to enter the home of the man everyone avoided. Grace came before repentance.
A changed heart
Meeting Jesus transformed Zacchaeus from the inside. He said: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor” (Luke 19:8), and promised to repay fourfold anyone he had wronged. When Jesus enters our home, the change is seen in our actions.
For reflection
What “tree” would you climb today to see Jesus? Is there something in your life you need to put right, in response to His grace?
Bible verses are quoted from the King James Version.