9th Dec 2007

Luke 19: 1 - 10   Jesus and Zacchaeus. "Come Down Immediately"

Context. In ch 18: 18-25, Jesus was teaching how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. In ch 19 he shows that God can do the impossible in the story of Zacchaeus.

V 1. Jericho. A wealthy town on an E/W trade route. Dates and balsam trees. (scented)
Jesus was "passing through." A crowd had gathered - no wonder. A blind man healed! Jesus promised to be always with us. However, sometimes we get a sence that He is "passing through" or "by". A sence that He has drawn near and this is a moment of encounter, an opportunity. Like the blind man in chapter 18 it is a moment to grasp.

V 2 - 3 We are introdused to Zacchaeus.
He lived in Jerico. He was the Chief Tax Collector - the High Hied-yin.
He was wealthy. (Taxed the Jews for the Romans.) He was short. (So are we all. Romans 3:23.)
V 8 He had cheated. V7 He was seen as a "sinner". He was unpopular, an outcaste, detested.

V 4. Zacchaeus climbed up a tree. He wanted to see Jesus but he couldn't see over heads.
He was curious and determined. He had to keep apart from the crowds because he was unpopular. He was prepared to sacrifice his dignity. Rich men did not usually climb trees.
He was compensating for his lack of stature by elevating himslef. We climb trees seeking recognition, titles, position, prominence - to be noticed, thanked and praised. Self-elevation.
Sometimes we dig holes to hide our shortcomings. There is only one answer to our falling short.

V 5. Jesus' Reaction. What Jesus did flowed from V 10 - clarity of purpose. (John 20:21)
Note - God's heart is for the rich as well as the poor.
V5 Jesus looked up.
a. He spoke. He used Zacchaeus's name. How did Jesus know his name? Word of knowledge, local knowledge, overheard it? To use somebody's name shows intrest and concern for them.
b. Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today. (Note the urgency immed. must)
Jesus invited Himself - the only ex. in the gospels. This showed trust and acceptance.
It was a great honour to be singled out like this by Jesus in public. c. Be the guest of sinners.
d. Should we invite ourselves? Sometimes we can reach out to people and show them acceptance by letting them do something for us showing trust, acceptance, respect, care, love. The normal pattern in the gospels is us blessing others through giving to them as in Isaiah 61.

V 6. Zacchaeus' Reaction. He responded immediately, full of joy. He never expected this!

V 7. The People's Reaction. They were not pleased. Zacchaeus was the last person to be honoured like this. They critisized Jesus. No doubt they thought He should come to stay with them - not with a "sinner". How do we react when other people get blessed rather than us?

V 8. Zacchaeus' Repentance. An encounter with Jesus changed his heart and life. He turned from greed to generosity. He paid back four-fold all those he had cheated. = Fruit of repentance.
           J C Ryle. "Converted sinners always give evidence of their conversion."

V 9. Zacchaeus' Acceptance. Jesus totally accepted Zacchaeus just as he was. That acceptance turned his life upside down. Jesus saw that Zacchaeus was established in the community saying puplicaly "For this man too is a son of Abraham" ie. a true Jew following in the faith of Abraham.
Our total acceptance by Jesus is the only antedote to the pain of our shortness.
           The invitation is the same for us today. Revelation 3: 20. Knock, knock.
             What are you doing up that tree? Put your pride and fig leaves away!
                Come down immediately!   I must stay at your house today.

Robert Duncan, 09/12/2007