What does the Bible say about Zacchaeus?

Zacchaeus is mentioned in Luke 19:1–10. He was a chief tax collector in Jericho and was wealthy. Tax collectors were despised by the Jews for working with the Roman authorities and often for extortion. Despite his position, Zacchaeus desired to see who Jesus was, but being of short stature, he could not see over the crowd. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to get a view as Jesus passed by (Luke 19:3–4).

When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” Zacchaeus came down joyfully and received Him. The crowd murmured, saying that Jesus had gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner (Luke 19:5–7).

Zacchaeus then stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:8–10).

Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus resulted in immediate and tangible repentance. He was transformed from a self-serving man into a generous and just individual. His willingness to make restitution far beyond what the Law required demonstrated true repentance and faith.

His life testifies to the mercy of Christ and the truth that no sinner is beyond redemption. Jesus’ declaration affirms the mission of the Son of Man to seek and to save the lost.

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