Zacchaeus is one of the most memorable characters in the New Testament. His short story is found in Luke 19:1–10, yet it's full of meaning. From his profession to his transformation, Zacchaeus shows us what happens when someone meets Jesus with an open heart.
1. Zacchaeus Was a Chief Tax Collector
Zacchaeus held a high position. He wasn't just a tax collector—he was the chief tax collector in Jericho.
Luke 19:2 (ESV) – “And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich.”
This means he oversaw other tax collectors and likely collected a percentage from them, making him very wealthy.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|
| High social status | Hated by the public |
| Wealthy and influential | Viewed as corrupt |
2. He Was Very Rich
His job brought him a lot of money, but it also brought shame. Many tax collectors took more than required, and Zacchaeus likely did too.
Luke 19:8 (NIV) – “If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
He admitted to possible fraud, showing that wealth came at a cost to his integrity.
3. He Was Short in Stature
One of the most well-known facts: Zacchaeus was short. He couldn’t see over the crowd when Jesus came to town.
Luke 19:3 (NKJV) – “He sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.”
This detail makes him relatable—many people feel small or overlooked.
4. He Climbed a Sycamore Tree
To get a better view of Jesus, Zacchaeus did something bold—he climbed a tree. Grown men didn’t do that, especially not someone wealthy.
Luke 19:4 (ESV) – “So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way.”
His action showed determination and humility.
5. Jesus Knew Him by Name
Though Zacchaeus had never met Jesus, Jesus knew exactly who he was.
Luke 19:5 (CSB) – “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.”
Jesus calling him by name shows His divine knowledge and personal care.
6. Jesus Chose to Stay at His House
Jesus didn’t just pass by—He stayed at Zacchaeus’s home.
Luke 19:5 (NIV) – “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
This shocked the crowd, who thought Zacchaeus was too sinful to be worthy of such honor.
7. People Complained About Jesus Visiting Him
The people murmured when they saw Jesus go to Zacchaeus’s home. They didn’t think a righteous man should associate with sinners.
Luke 19:7 (KJV) – “They all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”
But Jesus came to seek and save the lost—not to praise the self-righteous.
8. Zacchaeus Showed True Repentance
Zacchaeus didn’t just say he believed—he proved it with action. He promised to give half his wealth to the poor and repay any fraud four times over.
Luke 19:8 (NLT) – “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
True repentance involves change, not just words.
| Action Zacchaeus Took | Significance |
|---|---|
| Gave to the poor | Showed generosity |
| Repaid fraud 4x | Demonstrated justice |
9. Salvation Came to His House
Jesus declared that Zacchaeus had been saved. His faith and repentance brought real change.
Luke 19:9 (ESV) – “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.”
He was welcomed back into spiritual family and given a new identity.
10. He Became a Picture of Jesus' Mission
Zacchaeus’s story ends with a summary of Jesus’ purpose on Earth.
Luke 19:10 (ESV) – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Zacchaeus was the perfect example of someone lost who was found.
