Zacchaeus and Jesus
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
1 Jesus was going through Jericho, 2 where a man named Zacchaeus lived. He was in charge of collecting taxes and was very rich. 3 Jesus was heading his way, and Zacchaeus wanted to see what he was like. But Zacchaeus was a short man and could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree. 4 5 When Jesus got there, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today.” 6 Zacchaeus hurried down and gladly welcomed Jesus. 7 Everyone who saw this started grumbling, “This man Zacchaeus is a sinner! And Jesus is going home to eat with him.” 8 Later that day Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated.” 9 Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham.
Luke 19:1-9
Memory Verse
1 Corinthians 13:5
5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.
How would you describe the character of Zacchaeus from the Bible story? Which words would you choose: wealthy, curious, or physically short? Maybe a creative problem-solver or even a good climber? Would you describe him as a man of faith?
Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was in town and out of curiosity climbed a sturdy sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of the traveling teacher.
When Jesus spotted him, he called him down by saying, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” This was no casual invitation, like “Hey, can we hang out?” Jesus used the word “must” to let Zacchaeus know how important his visit would be.
Do you know what happened next? Some people in town didn’t like the idea of Jesus visiting the home of a tax collector. They thought tax collectors weren’t very nice people. But Jesus knew something the townspeople didn’t know: Zacchaeus could change. Because of Jesus’ visit, Zacchaeus stood up in front of everyone and promised to give half of his considerable wealth to the poor. Then he vowed that if he cheated anyone, he would pay them back four times what he had stolen from them. Having Jesus stay with him touched his heart. The kindness and generosity of Jesus brought out those same things in Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was redeemed!
The other Jews in Jericho did not think Zacchaeus was a good man. Jesus saw beyond what others saw, forgave his sins, and inspired him to give to the poor. Jesus called Zacchaeus “a son of Abraham,” not only because he was Jewish but because he shared his wealth with others. Jesus proclaimed, “Salvation has come to this house.” How has knowing Jesus changed you?
Prayer
Thank you, God, for the example of Zacchaeus. Help us to be kind and generous in our neighborhoods and cities. Thank you, God, for seeing us and forgiving our sins so that salvation can come into our homes as well. Amen.Related Resources
Gwen Veltema Klemm
Since graduating from Calvin University, Gwen Veltema Klemm has traveled the US and worked as a newspaper reporter, a technical writer for manufacturing and IT, and won a creative writing contest in 2019. She currently lives in Holland, Michigan warming her bones because winter is coming.