✝ Who was Zacchaeus?
The grace of Jesus that changed the life of a sinner
Zacchaeus is a unique character in the Bible, whose life was completely changed after his encounter with Jesus Christ .
- He was the chief tax collector of Jericho .
- Despite being rich , he was hated by society.
- Although they were very eager to see Jesus , they had trouble seeing him because of the crowd.
- Jesus called Zacchaeus and went to his house.
- Zacchaeus repented and promised to share his possessions with the poor.
- Jesus declared his salvation .
✅ Main Education:
✔ Jesus seeks every sinner.
✔ True repentance changes lives.
✔ Jesus is more important than wealth and worldly things.
Now, let’s look at the story of Zacchaeus in more detail.
✝ 1. Zacchaeus: A rich but despised man
“There was a man named Zacchaeus, who was the chief tax collector and was rich.” (Luke 19:2)
✅ Identity of Zacchaeus:
- Chief Tax Collector.
- Extremely rich, yet corrupt.
- The Jews hated him as a “sinner” and a “collaborator with Rome.”
✅ But what was the problem?
- He had worldly wealth but no spiritual peace.
- Society rejected him, but Jesus did not .
🌳 2. Zacchaeus’ attempt to see Jesus
“He wanted to see Jesus, but he could not because of the crowd, because he was short in stature.” (Luke 19:3)
✅ Zacchaeus’ problem:
- Short stature.
- The crowd interrupted.
✅ But what did he do?
- Not wanting to get lost in the crowd, he climbed a tree !
- “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus.” (Luke 19:4)
👉 Teaching: When we desire to meet Jesus, no obstacle can stop us.
👀 3. Jesus called Zacchaeus
“When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, come down! Today I must stay at your house.'” (Luke 19:5)
✅ What did Jesus do?
- He also saw Zacchaeus in the crowd .
- He didn’t condemn, he showed love.
- Went to Zacchaeus’ house!
👉 Teaching:
✔ Jesus calls us by name.
✔ He gives us love, not contempt.
🔥 4. Zacchaeus’ repentance and life change
“Lord, look! Half of my possessions I give to the poor. If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore fourfold!” (Luke 19:8)
✅ True Repentance:
- He gave 50% of his wealth to the poor.
- He promised to pay back 4 times if he cheated .
👉 Teaching:
✔ Repentance is not just words, but actions.
✔ After meeting Jesus, our thinking, behavior, and lifestyle must change.
✝ 5. Jesus’ announcement of salvation
“Today salvation has come to this house, for the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10)
✅ Jesus’ Purpose:
- Saving sinners.
- Bringing back lost souls.
- To liberate everyone, rich, poor, great, and small.
👉 Teaching:
✔ The love of Jesus is available to every sinner.
✔ Our lives must change when we welcome Jesus into our hearts.
🔥 Conclusion: What does the story of Zacchaeus teach us?
✅ 1. Jesus seeks sinners.
✅ 2. Those who seek Jesus will find him.
✅ 3. We must welcome Jesus when he calls.
✅ 4. True repentance changes lives.
✅ 5. Salvation is found only in Jesus.
👉 Now the question:
✅ Do you also want to welcome Jesus into your life?
✅ Are you ready to truly repent like Zacchaeus?
👉 If so, deepen your relationship with Him today. Jesus calls you by name too!
