The Life of Jesus in Harmony | Index

Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus (Gk. for Heb. Zaccai).

A chief tax-gatherer (architelones), or publican, residing at Jericho, who, being a short man, climbed into a sycamore tree in order that he might see Jesus as He passed through that town. When Jesus came to the tree, He paused, looked up, and called Zaccheus by name. He told him to hasten and come down, because He intended to be a guest at his house. With speakable joy Zaccheus hastened down and welcomed the Master.

The people murmured, saying that He had "gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." Zaccheus was especially despised as being a Jew and occupying an official rank among the tax-gatherers, which would indicate unusual activity in the service of the Roman oppressors.

Zaccheus seems to have been deeply moved by the consideration shown him by Jesus and, before all the people, made the vow that attested his penitence: "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much," greater restitution than the law required (Num 5:7). Jesus then said, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham" (Lk 19:1-10).