Zacchaeus is an example of the person who is told about the Lord Jesus and has to make a decision to come out of his sin. When Jesus entered into Jericho Zacchaeus was waiting there. A multitude of people followed Jesus and surrounded Him. Surely some of these people knew Zacchaeus needed Christ to help him amend his ways. The word “way” means: manner of doing anything; method or means of doing something. In the beginning of the chapter it says, “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was chief among the publicans, and he was rich.” This shows us that whether rich or poor, souls can be reached. Zacchaeus was a rich publican tired of living the “good life” and never getting joy out of it. Chief of the publicans, Zacchaeus no longer wanted to be. He no longer wanted to be known for the stealing he had done. He wanted something new. When the soul winner came his way and he heard about the Lord, Zacchaeus knew without a doubt he needed to seek Christ. Verse 3 says, “And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature” The word “sought” means: to go in search or quest of; to endeavor to find or gain by any means. The word “see” means: to know; to regard or look to. This means Zacchaeus searched for the Lord to know him. However, he could not for the press, because he was little of stature. The word “press” means: a crowd or a multitude of individuals crowded together. The crowd was so large that Zacchaeus could not make it to Jesus. The scripture also says he was little of stature. Stature is described as normal height in an upright position. This means he was not tall; but he would not let the crowd discourage him from seeing Jesus. “And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.” Imagine what it must have been like to see the chief publican running through the crowd, passing them all just to get to a sycamore tree which he begins climbing. To climb means: to creep up little by little or step-by-step; to rise on any fixed object by seizing it with the hands and feet. The sycamore tree can represent when people really want to come to Christ from the world. They receive an urgency to have a changed heart. Urgency in general is an eagerness of desire to accomplish or obtain some object and it may be manifested in favor of any person. Zacchaeus’s urgency was what caused him to climb the tree and wait for Jesus. “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” Haste means: celerity of motion; speed. Jesus wanted Zacchaeus to come from the tree quickly. Jesus desires that everyone come out from their sin quickly, and change our ways so we can have joy. Zacchaeus climbing down from the tree, this can also symbolize how people must make the choice to come away from the world. Jesus had said, “Today I must abide at thy house.” The Lord saw how much Zacchaeus wanted to change. He was willing to come to his house, because of Zacchaeus’s humility and willingness to change. God loves to see a person who will humble themselves for Him.
Then He can abide in them. Abide means: to rest or dwell; to tarry or stay for a short time. Jesus could not avoid going to Zacchaeus’s house that day. Verse 6 says, “And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” The word made is the past tense of make. To make is: to cause to act or do; press, drive, strain, or compel. In other words, Zacchaeus acted in haste as he came to the Lord. Come is: to move towards; to advance nearer in any manner or from any distance. He was very excited to have Jesus come with him. We should have the same happiness when we receive Christ into our heart. Received means: taken; accepted; admitted; embraced; and believed. He believed the Lord for His help and “received him joyfully.” Joyfully means: with joy; gladly. Gladly means: with pleasure; joyfully; cheerfully. “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner” Murmured means: to grumble; to complain; to utter complaints in a low half articulated voice; to utter sullen discontent. They could not receive the joy Zacchaeus had because of their complaining. Complain means: expression of grief; regret; pain; resentment, and finding fault. They thought they had a reason to feel that Zacchaeus was an unworthy sinner because he had been taxing their money illegally and robbing them of their goods. A sinner is: one who has voluntarily violated or broken the divine law. They felt that Zacchaeus had no right to have the Lord coming to his house. Nevertheless, this did not discourage Zacchaeus. Although people may not like when we come to Christ, and they may bring up all the wrong things we have done, this cannot get in our way of getting to Christ. The crowd felt Zacchaeus was too sinful for God, but God is merciful and wanted to help him when he saw his effort to change. “And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Stood is past tense for stand. To stand is: to become erect; to support oneself on the feet in the upright position. Zacchaeus faced Jesus because of his penitent heart. Penitent is: suffering pain or sorrow of heart on the account of crimes or offenses; contrite; sincerely affected by the sense of guilt and resolving on an amendment of life. Even though Zacchaeus had been called a sinner he had enough obedience, humility and truth to stand up, face who he was and then choose to do right. He was so glad to have Jesus as a guest and he was going to give.