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

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1–10 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  This was the third time Jesus prophesied to them regarding what would happen in Jerusalem.  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

  Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  As was discussed in yesterday's reading and commentary, Jericho was notorious as a place of iniquity.  My study Bible notes that it is commonly associated with sinful living (see Luke 10:30, the parable of the Good Samaritan).

 

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  See Luke 18:24-27.   My study Bible comments that this encounter between Christ and Zaccchaeus demonstrates that grace can accomplish that which is impossible to human beings.  

 

 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  My study Bible notes that many spiritual interpretations of this passage express the universal significance of this encounter.  In Theophylact's commentary, we read of the crowd symbolizing sins:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  But St. Ambrose offers several parallels as follows.  First, Zacchaeus is short, indicating that he is short on faith and virtue.  Second, that Zacchaeus has to go up a tree shows that no one who is attached to earthly matters can see Jesus.  Finally, as the Lord intends to pass that way, it shows that Christ will approach anyone who is willing to repent and to believe. 

 

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."   My study Bible points out that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes to those whom he had cheated -- as this was not a gift but was required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  In doing both, he not only fulfills the Law, but he shows his love of the gospel.   

 

  And Jesus said to him, "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."  My study Bible comments that the title son of Abraham is an indication that Zacchaeus had become like this patriarch of Israel:  he was counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  My study Bible further adds that this Zacchaeus went on to be a bishop of the Church. 

 

 The story of Zacchaeus not only tells us about redemption as we normally think about it, and repentance that is its hallmark, but it is illustrative of the ways in which salvation works.  Most powerfully, it teaches us not simply about being saved, but being absolutely transfigured.  Zacchaeus does not merely become a believer in Christ.  He becomes an early bishop of the Church.  This is something extraordinary for one who was not simply a hated tax collector, but a rich (and hated) chief tax collector.  In Christ's time, these were Jews who worked for the Roman authorities, using state power not simply to collect taxes from fellow Jews but notorious for extorting extra income for themselves.  So to go from a despised and rich chief tax collector in Jericho (a place notorious for sin) to a bishop in the early Church is quite a transformation indeed.  In fact, we'd be closer to the truth to call it transfiguration, for this is the image of redemption in our faith.  He didn't just turn around and change the direction of his life, but he was entirely transformed, transfigured from his place of ill-reputed authority, to one that was most distinguished.  When Jesus pronounces him a son of Abraham, then it seems that we are to understand this as a transfiguration to one in the lineage of patriarchs, serving the people of God as shepherd in the new covenant.  In the process of redemption, we can turn to conventional stories of changing one's mind, getting onto a new path, finding a way to a decent life -- or we can recall our minds to the true image of what is meant by the Greek word theosis, or deification.  We turn to the Transfiguration to tell us of the revelation of the Kingdom and God's work in our midst, to show us what is truly real.  It was St. Athanasius and others who made the bedrock statement of theology in our faith:  "God became man, so that man might become [like] God."  When Jesus speaks of what is impossible with human beings becoming possible with God, he speaks quite literally of the power of the energies of God at work in human beings.  On human terms, we might think of redemption as imaging a person on the wrong side of the street deciding to turn around and do good.  But in our faith, the world is to be transfigured, all of creation saved, and Zacchaeus turning from a rich chief tax collector to become a bishop of the early Church is an image of the true fullness of redemption, of transfiguration as we should see it.  Our expectations and desires are simply not adequate to predict what kind of transformation is possible with God, what transfiguration might truly be in our lives.  Even the apostles, as they walk toward Jerusalem, cannot consider what is before them nor what lies beyond the Cross.  For God's reality reveals what we can't understand or expect, even the power of God's kingdom at work in us, a redemption that doesn't just turn around, but transfigures.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  

 

Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1–10 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more,"Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight.  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 

 

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  My study Bible comments that, as mentioned in yesterday's reading and commentary, Jericho was notorious as a place of iniquity and is commonly associated with sinful living (see Luke 10:30).  

 

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  My study Bible refers us to a passage we recently read, Luke 18:24-27.  It notes that this encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus in today's reading demonstates that grace can accomplish that which is impossible for human beings.  

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."   My study Bible offers that there are many spiritual interpretations which express the universal significance of this encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus midst this crowd of people.    Theophylact, for example, sees the crowd as symbolizing sins.  He writes, "Crowded in by a multitue of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  St. Ambrose sees several parallels.  First, Zacchaeus is short, understood as indicating his being short on faith and virtue.  Second, Zacchaeus has to climb a tree:  this is understood as teaching that no one attached to earthly matters can see Jesus.   Finally, that Christ intended to pass that way reveals that He will approach anyone who is willing to repent and believe. 

Then Zacchaeus 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."  My study Bible comments that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and the term restore for what he owes the people he had cheated -- and the latter was not a gift, but required by the law (Exodus 22:1).  In doing both, Zacchaeus is not only fulfilling the Law, but he also shows his love of the gospel.  

And Jesus said to him, "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."  My study Bible claims that the title son of Abraham indicates that Zacchaeus had become like this patriarch of Israel:  he was counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  Early records say that Zacchaeus went on to become a bishop of the Church.  

Jesus says, "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."   Christ is repeating a theme that He brings to the gospel message over and over again:  that He has come to seek and to save that which was lost.   The people complain not just that Zacchaeus is a sinner, but one that is perhaps a bit larger than life, if we could put it that way.  Jewish tax collectors, like Zacchaeus, were despised not simply for collecting taxes.  For one thing, they worked for the hated Roman occupiers, and against their fellow Jews.  For another thing, as part of their collaboration with the Romans, they were backed by the Roman power of the state and military; hence, they were free to use this power to collect extra monies for themselves and extort them from their fellow Jews.  One can just imagine the perspective of the average people regarding this kind of work and practice, and where the often scathing point of view of those in positions of religious authority like the Pharisees comes from.  In Luke chapter 15 we read of one such encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees and scribes, in which they observed Him receiving and eating with tax collectors and sinners, and complained about it.  In response Jesus gave three parables about seeking and recovering that which was lost:  the parable of the Lost Sheep, the parable of the Lost Coin, and the parable of the Prodigal or Lost Son.  Each of these gave the perspective of God -- and specifically of Jesus as Son of Man in His mission in the Incarnation -- of seeking and finding that which was lost.  Today in the story of Zacchaeus we have yet another important confirmation of this aspect of Christ's ministry and mission into the world as Jesus the Messiah.  Zacchaeus is a rather extreme example, and for a number of reasons.  First of all, he's not just a regular tax collector.  Zacchaeus is a chief tax collector.  He directs and has others working under him doing this despised work, considered sinful by the community.  Second, Zacchaeus not only holds this high position for the Romans, but he's rich.  Undoubtedly he got that way through his work and the extortion practices enabled by his position.  There's the additional image of Zacchaeus as someone who is short in stature; therefore he's not impressive but diminutive, and climbing up a tree -- even to see Christ -- is a sort of embarrassing thing for a man in his position to do.  But nevertheless, these two details give us an image that is somewhat humbling.  Zacchaeus has an enthusiasm to see Jesus that turns the intimidating image of the "chief tax collector" into a person who's heedless of what kind of figure he's cutting in the world, in front of this crowd.  Such things invite ridicule, and he (wittingly or unwittingly) subjects himself to that in the midst of people who despise him.  But Jesus another plan and another vision in mind that differs from the crowd and popular opinion, and even the history of Zacchaeus.  Jesus sees something that one can only see from a perspective far beyond the crowd, even above that tree Zacchaeus climbs to get a glimpse of Him.  Jesus sees a son of Abraham desiring to be reclaimed.  Jesus reads a part of Zacchaeus nobody else can see, the part that wants to return to the Lord so badly.  Let's observe Jesus taking the initiative and responding to seeing Zacchaeus climb that tree.  He calls Zacchaeus from out of the crowd, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  And with that invitation, Zacchaeus opens wide his soul to Christ, returning to the Lord with a righteous choice:  "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."  He re-establishes himself in relation to the Lord, and in so doing, turns in righteousness to restore relations with his neighbors as well.   In these two practices, in accordance with the Law and also in giving to the poor, Zacchaeus embodies the two greatest commandments as given by Jesus:  love of God and love of neighbor (see Luke 10:25-28).  In so doing, Zacchaeus is reconciled to Christ and to his community, and this is a powerful reminder of what the promise of eternal life is all about.  It comes from a repentance that is a restoration at so many levels, wiping out the debt of sin and creating the bonds of community within the kingdom of God.  On His way to Jerusalem, and passing through Jericho as He passed through our world, Jesus offers to Zacchaeus what He will go on to offer all of us from the Cross, a gift of salvation, if we will but take it.  Zacchaeus grabs hold with all his heart, his mind, his two hands, his short legs, and large pocketbook.  But first, the passage tells us, he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  Let us do the same, and be thankful -- even joyful -- for what we're offered. 

  

 

 

 

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

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1–10 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.   As we remarked in yesterday's reading and commentary, Jericho was associated with sin.  My study Bible comments that it was notorious as a place of iniquity and is commonly associated with sinful living (see Luke 10:30, from the parable of the Good Samaritan).

 

 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  See Luke 18:24-27, in which Jesus commented that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  (The story of the rich young ruler is found in this reading, from Saturday.)  Of course, most noteworthy here is that Zacchaeus is not just a tax collector, all of whom were commonly supposed to extort the people using their status as servants of Rome, but he is a chief tax collector, who has grown rich.  My study Bible comments that this encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus demonstrates that grace can accomplish that which is impossible to man.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  My study Bible comments that many spiritual interpretations express the universal significance of this encounter.  Theophylact, it says, see the crowd symbolizing sins:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions, and worldly affairs, [Zacchaeus] is not able to see Jesus."  My study Bible also reports comments from St. Ambrose, who notes several symbolic parallels.  First, that Zacchaeus being short is indicative of his being short on faith and virtue.  Second, Zachaeus must ascend a tree, which shows that one who is attached to earthly matters cannot see Jesus.  Finally, the Lord intending to pass that way is a revelation that Christ will approach anyone willing to repent and believe.  

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  My study Bible asks us to take note that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes to those he had cheated -- as the latter was not a gift, but rather required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  By doing both, it notes, Zacchaeus therefore not only fulfills the Law, but also shows his love of the gospel.  

And Jesus said to him, "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."  My study Bible comments that the title Jesus uses, son of Abraham, is an indication that Zacchaeus had become like this patriarch of Israel:  he was counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  Early records show that Zacchaeus went on to be a bishop of the Church. 

Jesus says that He has come has come to seek and to save that which was lost.  What does it mean to be lost?  How was Zacchaeus lost?  One way of being lost is to be outside of community.  This indicates to us that we need to consider what it means to be a part of community.  This notion is central to the Bible, in both Old and New Testaments.  In John 14:2, Jesus says, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you."  It's not easily understood from this English translation of "mansion," but what Jesus is alluding to is the ancient system of tents or tabernacles, belonging to extended family.  When a new member of the family would come in, such as a son marrying, then an extra partition would be made for this new part of the family, this new son and extension, so that all were under one large "tent" but there were rooms made for all under the same patriarch.  This is the intended image here, of an extended tabernacle belong to the Father, and Christ creating family, preparing a place for all those who will live under this one great tent, but with a place for each.  So from this saying, and most definitely from today's reading about Zacchaeus and Christ's interaction, we're to understand that it is God who properly creates families, and that now Zacchaeus is a son of Abraham, and able to dwell within that large tent of the partiarch Abraham, who was justified by faith.  So important is this understanding, that in two Letters of St. Paul, and in the Epistle of St. James, Genesis 15:6 is quoted:  "And he believed in the Lord, and he accounted it to him for righteousness."  (See Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3, 22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23.)   Like Abraham, who "entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2), Zacchaeus is called upon to extend hospitality to Christ, and responds with exuberant joy and gratitude. Zacchaeus, this undignified, unaccepted and despised chief tax collector, has become justified by faith, and a son of Abraham as any other.  He has therefore become part of community, part of family, which only God can really create, and as Jesus here declares.  It teaches us a lesson that God has the last word on what constitutes family and community, and within that understanding, community can be made up of the most seemingly unlikely members.  Let us rejoice at the good news that one so excluded from community can become a "son of Abraham" by faith, for the same good news applies to our Churches and the community we find there.  Within the body of faith, one might be astonished at the possibilities of healing to be found in community, even healing for what is broken within the context of an earthly family.  Psalm 27 is a strong psalm of faith, declaring, "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."  Faith and healing come in the context of community, and community is what we find through participation in the life of Christ, and the Kingdom He brings.  Let us remember how to love one another, as He has loved us, that the world may know that we are His (John 13:34-35).  To find such love and community is to be found, for without it we are lost.

 

 

Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1-10 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  My study Bible comments that Jericho was notorious as a place of iniquity; it is commonly associated with sinful living.  The parable of the Good Samaritan is set along the road from Jerusalem toward Jericho, where he fell among thieves (Luke 10:30-37).  

 

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  My study Bible also references our recent reading of the rich young ruler who sought out Jesus (see Monday's Daily Exegesis, in which Christ taught, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God").  My study Bible comments that this encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus demonstrates that grace can accomplish that which is "impossible with men."

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, 'He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  My study Bible tells us that there are many spiritual interpretations of this passage that express the universal significance of this encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.  Theophylact views the crowd as symbolizing sins.  He writes:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  According to St. Ambrose there are several parallels here:  Zacchaeus being short indicates his being short on faith and virtue; that Zacchaeus must climb a tree shows that no one attached to earthly matters can see Jesus; and finally, the Lord intending to pass that way shows that Christ will approach anyone willing to repent and believe.  

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold."  It's important that we understand why it was that tax collectors were considered to be sinners.  They collaborated with the Roman authorities to collect taxes from fellow Jews, but frequently this was accompanied by extortion, as they could use the might of the occupying Roman state to collect more than was owed.  As Zacchaeus says here, he has taken by false accusation.  So here a repentant Zacchaeus makes an offering for restitution (as required in the Law), and beyond.  My study Bible notes that he uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes those whom he had cheated, as that was not a gift but required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  By doing both, my study Bible says, Zacchaeus not only fulfills the Law, but also shows his love of the gospel.  

 

And Jesus said to him, "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."  My study Bible says that the title son of Abraham indicates Zacchaeus had become like this patriarch of Israel:  he was counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  In early records of the Church, we're told that he went on to be a bishop of the Church.

Zacchaeus repents so deeply that he turns his whole life around.  He's not only a tax collector, but the chief tax collector.  And he's not just a chief tax collector in Israel, but he's the chief tax collector in this notorious region of Jericho, where apparently all kinds of crime goes on, and the place is known for such.  To be shunned as a sinner in this region must be something indeed -- and of all the people, it is short Zacchaeus, who's climbed a tree to see Him, whom Jesus chooses to give Him hospitality for the day.  There are several things which we can notice about this reading.  We can contrast Zacchaeus, a notorious sinner (the rich chief tax collector of Jericho!) with the rich young ruler in Monday's reading, who knew Jesus as "good Teacher," who had followed all the commandments since his youth, and who desired eternal life and came to seek it from Christ.  This, by all accounts, was a "good" person (Mark's Gospel tells us that Jesus loved him; see Mark 10:21), but he could not relinquish his great possessions to follow Christ.  But here in today's reading we have Zacchaeus, a great sinner, who comes not just to restitution in the Law but to repentance through the grace of Christ, and changes and transforms his entire life -- giving much more than he needs to in order to "make things right" with the poor.  How do we explain this?  It is certainly an illustration of how grace works.  Nothing is done simply by measure with grace, but rather abundantly.  In the Sermon on the Plain, found here in Luke's Gospel, Jesus expresses this spirit of abundance with grace, when He teaches, "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38).  Perhaps we may assume that Zacchaeus, experiencing the grace of Christ when Christ invited himself to Zacchaeus' home, has come to understand this sense of abundance in God's grace; thereby giving has become something he understands in a different light than as chief tax collector in Jericho.  This spirit of abundance, in which justice is no longer measured with exactitude but in the spirit of grace, runs all throughout the Gospels, and it qualifies and characterizes the kingdom of God, the blessed life Christ preaches (such as in the Beatitudes).  Perhaps its greatest characterization is found in Christ's statement of Himself as the Good Shepherd, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10; see in context).  We might consider Zacchaeus' life as chief tax collector in this light, getting what he had through the coercion of a great empire and its material power (including occupying soldiers), and extorting the extra he could get through false accusations against his neighbors.  We should compare that to the graciousness of Christ, who openly sought out Zacchaeus, the one who was so eager to see Jesus he climbed a tree to glimpse Him as He passed by, and in front of all the people proclaimed that he had to come down so that Jesus could stay at his home that day.  In our faith tradition, the great sign of Christ is the cross, but in this context of today's reading, we might closely consider why this is so.  The most dreaded Roman instrument of punishment, of coercion, reserved for the worst of criminals, was the cross.  But simply because Christ lay on that Cross, the transforming power of grace at work rendered the Cross the symbol of hope and resurrection for us all.  The instrument of death was transfigured into the instrument of life, abundantly.  Jesus' visit to Zacchaeus' home is another encounter with grace, with the kingdom of God, and Zacchaeus' entire outlook on life seems to have been irreducibly changed, transformed.  Things no longer "add up" the way they used to, apparently, for him.  He becomes one who sees by the light of grace, and so to give half his goods to the poor, and to restore fourfold what he stole, is what he chooses in this new light of Christ, in the transfiguring power of Christ's illumination for his soul, his future.  In this way, Zacchaeus is able to be restored to his identity as a son of Abraham, and he who was lost is claimed for the kingdom of God.  It is a powerful thing to consider what an encounter with grace might do to our souls, to change our whole outlook on the meaning of life and how we live it.  But by far the best example is this outcome of experience, the spiritual fruit we observe in Zacchaeus.  How has your faith changed you?   Are there things you now see that you did not see before?  Is there a way in which the grace and love of God has been experienced by you or someone you know, and created a transformed person in its wake?  For now let us consider Zacchaeus, the short man, and chief tax collector, who humbles himself by running ahead and climbing a tree to see Christ, and is in turn restored not only to his place but claimed for the kingdom of God, and becomes a bishop in Christ's church.  May Christ find rest in our homes and our hearts as well.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Christ and Zacchaeus, Helena Cherkasova, circa 2000, ink and paper, private collection, Moscow.  More information at Bible Odyssey

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1–10 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Jericho, my study Bible notes, was notorious as a place of iniquity and is commonly associated with sinful living (see Luke 10:30, the setting for the parable of the Good Samaritan).   

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. My study Bible refers us to Luke 18:24-27, a section from this reading involving the rich young ruler.   It says that, similar to Christ's statement in that reading from chapter 18, this encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus demonstrates that grace can accomplish that which is impossible to human beings.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  My study Bible tells us that there are many spiritual interpretations of this scene to express the universal significance of this encounter. Theophylact sees the crowd as symbolizing sins.  He writes, "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  St. Ambrose of Milan sees many parallels.  First, Zacchaeus being short indicates his being short on faith and virtue.  Second, Zacchaeus must ascend a tree, as no one attached to earthly matters can see Jesus.  Finally, that the Lord intends to pass that way reveals that Christ is will approach anyone willing to repent and believe.  

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."   Zacchaeus, in a certain sense similar to the blind man in yesterday's reading (above) is also an outcast in the society.  St. Cyril of Alexandria comments that as chief tax collector, and therefore a great sinner, he would be included with the prostitutes by the Pharisees as examples of complete depravity.  But Christ knows the reality of his heart, and calls him to come away from the life that has made him an outcast.  We observe that the climbing of the sycamore was unusual; in the context of the time and place this would be seen as a foolish act -- but it tells us about Zacchaeus' hopes and desire to see Jesus.  St. Ambrose of Milan says of Jesus comment that He must stay at Zacchaeus house, that although Christ had not yet heard his voice of invitation, he has heard his good will.

Then Zacchaeus 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."  My study Bible comments that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes those whom he had cheated -- and the latter was not a gift but required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  By doing both, therefore, Zacchaeus is not only fulfilling the Law, but also shows his love of the gospel.  

 

 And Jesus said to him, "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."  My study Bible tells us that the title son of Abraham given to Zacchaeus here indicates that he had become like this patriarch of Israel:  Zacchaeus is now counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  The early records of the Church testify that he went on to be a bishop.

St. Maximus of Turin observes that the wealth of Zacchaeus, which  had once been a hindrance for salvation, now becomes a benefit when used properly.  Justice has been served in terms of the Law.  The general requirement in the Law for theft was actually to restore double the amount stolen; here Zacchaeus promises twice that amount to those whom he's overcharged in tax levies by false accusation in order to extort money for himself.  As for the donation of half his goods to the poor, this is almsgiving, indicating a change of heart and character for one who was a chief tax collector.  It is, in the spiritual sense of Christ's teaching (such as to the rich young ruler, and also in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:19-21), a way to use the material things of this world to create "treasure in heaven."  In the gospel teachings of Jesus, it is important to recognize this notion of exchange -- of one life for another, of one way of life for another.  With the rich young ruler who could not accept Jesus' command to give away what he owned, that life was not entered into -- at least as far as we know, and so the Gospels would indicate.  But with Zacchaeus there is an entirely different outcome.  Jesus' reception of Zachaeus, and His intention to stay in his home, is an indication of the change of heart of Zacchaeus, and especially his openness to Christ's teaching and commands.  Under the Law, he lived a particular life.  But the grace of Christ has an entirely different effect upon him.  It's not that he continues his life as a chief tax collector; instead he will go on to serve in the Church, and his worldly goods will also go to help the poor and no doubt others.  This is, in effect, a powerful story in contrast to the rich young ruler, who had kept all the commandments of the law from his youth, but who could not bear to give away his many possessions.  Zacchaeus seems a very unlikable character both from his physical description (he's short of stature and also seemingly foolish in climbing the sycamore tree) and also his particularly detestable position in that society as a corrupt person who works for the Romans (and is a chief tax collector to boot).  But it is Zacchaeus who is saved, and not the rich young ruler, whom we were told Jesus loved, and seems likely to have been from a significant family in the ruling classes of the Temple.  It is Zacchaeus who is named and remembered, and not the rich young ruler.  So this really has to make us pause to think.  What is it that restores Zacchaeus as a "son of Abraham?"  Why is he so distinct from this other attractive figure of the rich young ruler?  For one thing, Zacchaeus is truly willing to change his heart, and to have a complete change of his life, including to give up his wealth both to restore and to do good and help others.  He ultimately will give up his entire way of life, becoming a bishop of the Church.  Truly, it seems that at the heart of "doing good" is a love of God, and a willingness to serve God's purposes.  This desire to help the poor and to restore justice by giving back fourfold whatever he has stolen stems from a desire to get right with God, and to find a way of life that is pleasing to God.  It is a product of love, for it stems from the love of God.  This is not simply fulfilling a political model of goodness, or something that is socially acceptable.  For Zacchaeus goes all the way in terms of turning his life around.  It is a full repentance symbolized in Christ's coming to dwell with him and stay at his house.  This is not about doing a few good deeds to restore oneself in good standing in community, but it is about exchanging one life for another in which Zacchaeus will now serve the kingdom of God as his purpose and means of living his life, rather than the kingdom of Rome that has all the possessions and wealth of the world.  What irony to consider:  that the person was a chief tax collector for the occupying Romans becomes a bishop in the Church which would be persecuted.  Of course, this is not to say that every person must become a bishop or other figure in the Church, but it does tell us where our hearts must be.  Just like Christ's command to the rich young ruler, we must be prepared to put Christ first in our hearts, and to place our goods and resources prayerfully in the hands of God as we seek direction in life.  We don't know where such faith will lead us, but that is the whole point of being freed of great attachment to possessions.  Attachment is a kind of slavery, whereas freedom in Christ means that we are free to live our lives and use our possessions and resources (talents, skills, etc.) in ways that a prayerful life in communion with Christ will lead us toward.   And that is truly freedom indeed that comes with true stature in the eyes of the Lord.  Zacchaeus' new belonging is found in the love of Christ, and the joy that comes in the freedom of expressing that love which flows to others.

 

 

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

 

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1–10 

 

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  In yesterday's reading, about the blind man who received his sight, Jesus was coming near Jericho.  Here, Jesus enters and passes through the city.  My study bible notes for us that Jericho was notorious as a place of iniquity, and is commonly associated with sinful living (in both Old and New Testaments; see 10:30, the beginning of the parable of the Good Samaritan).

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  See also 18:24-27.   My study bible comments that this encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus demonstrates that grace can accomplish that which is impossible for human beings on worldly terms. 

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  My study bible tells us that there are many spiritual interpretations which express the universal significance of this encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.  Theophylact comments that the crowd symbolizes sins:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  St. Ambrose comments on several parallels he sees in this passage:  first, Zacchaeus as short of stature indicates his being short of faith and virtue; second, that Zacchaeus must ascend a tree shows that no one who is attached to earthly matters can see Jesus; and finally, that Christ intending to pass that way shows that Christ will approach anyone willing to repent and believe. 

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."   Let us note first how Jesus singles out and calls to Zacchaeus, and the joy with which Zacchaeus receives Christ.  My study bible comments that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes those he had cheated.  The latter was not a gift but required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  In doing both, Zacchaeus fulfills the Law, and also shows his love of the gospel.  

And Jesus said to him, "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."  The title son of Abraham gives us a deep hint regarding Zacchaeus' stature:  he becomes similar to the patriarch of Israel, according to my study bible.  The explanation:  he was counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  In the early records of the Church, Zacchaeus in fact went on to become a bishop.  

How can we count the ways in which this story is so important?  There is first and foremost the understanding of healing that is present here.  Zacchaeus not only restores to others what he has cheated them out of by false accusation, but he himself is restored in good standing to the people of God.  In this Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost -- namely Zacchaeus himself.  Let us consider the images we're given here.  There is first of all Zacchaeus whom we're told is short of stature.  He climbs a sycamore to see Christ.  The old world sycamores of the Near and Middle East are known as trees which grow to a great height, sometimes called the chinar.  But we can see something quite interesting in this very rich chief tax collector climbing himself up the tree to see Jesus:  he is willing to make a fool of himself and appear to be an disreputable spectacle by climbing the tree to see Jesus.  There is a betrayal in this behavior of a deep earnestness which gives way to his joy at being called by Christ so that Christ may stay in his house.  It's as if this man, notoriously a sinner and likely widely scorned for the ways in which he has acquired his wealth, has simply been waiting for a lifetime for this chance at redemption and salvation, and restoration to community.  Zacchaeus is not just a tax collector:  he's a chief tax collector.  He works for the Romans, trades in their money, and self-admittedly has stolen from his own people through false accusation and extortion in his capacity as one who collects for the Romans.  This is not at all an admirable fellow.  Everything contributes to give us an image of someone who was indeed lost as far as the community was concerned, and yet who was also restored as a son of Abraham because of Christ.  In this story, his restoration is not only because he did what was required under the Law, but clearly in his joy through faith in his encounter with Christ.  In Zacchaeus' enthusiasm even as, one presumes, an older man who climbs a tree to see Christ, even risking becoming a comical figure for others by doing so, we can see a heart of joy for One who will be willing to die in order to save even Zacchaeus.  We can see a parallel in the man possessed by a Legion of demons, for whom Christ crosses a stormy Sea of Galilee with the disciples, even to a place of apostate Jews who raise swine for money in the Gentile market (see this reading).  We can also see a parallel in the woman who washed Christ's feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed them with costly fragrant oil  (in this reading), whose many sins were forgiven, for she loved much.  Zacchaeus fits in with those most deeply in need of healing and restoration, who are willing to sacrifice all for the Person of Christ who seeks them and calls them to be saved instead of lost.   The real question that must strike us, then, most profoundly, is why is it only in Christ that such a compelling salvation is possible for these people, or for us?  This remains for us the question today, just as it is fresh in this story in the Gospel.

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

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1-10

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  As discussed in yesterday's reading and commentary (see above and the link), Jericho was a place notoriously associated with iniquity and sinful living.  And here is a product of Jericho, Zacchaeus who is a chief tax collector and also rich.  Tax collectors were collaborators with the Romans, and they frequently used the power of the state to extort more than was due from Jewish citizens for their own benefit.   My study bible refers to 18:24-27, in which Jesus says that it is "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  This encounter between Christ and Zachaeus, it says, demonstrates that grace can accomplish that which is impossible to human beings.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.   My study bible says that the story of this encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus has given rise to many spiritual interpretations, which express its universal significance.  Theophylact sees in the crowd a symbol of sins:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  St. Ambrose, my study bible adds, sees several parallels:  First, Zacchaeus' short stature is indicative of being short on faith and virtue.  Second, that Zacchaeus must climb up a tree shows that no one attached to earthly matters can see Jesus.  And finally, the Lord who intends to pass that way reveals that Christ will approach anyone willing to repent and believe.  The sycamore can also serve as allegory to the Cross, often called "a tree," and teaches that all those willing to go the way of the Cross can find redemption and transformation in Christ.

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."   Note that Zacchaeus responds joyfully to the call and command of Christ.

Then Zacchaeus 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."   My study bible points out that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes to those whom he had cheated -- as this was not a gift but was required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  In doing both, Zacchaeus not only fulfills the Law, but he also shows his love of the gospel.

And Jesus said to him, "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."  My study bible says that the title son of Abraham indicates that Zacchaeus has become like this patriarch of Israel.  That is, he is counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he is united to the people of God.  It also notes that, according to early records of the Church, Zacchaeus went on to become a bishop.

How does salvation come to people?  In Christ coming through Jericho, it is possible to see this story as telling us that Zacchaeus has never before heard of nor encountered anything or anyone like Him.  It speaks of the compelling nature of Christ, the very Incarnation as an event so unique as to command attention from every human being -- and in the picture of the Scriptures, every creature, even every created thing in existence.  Zacchaeus is someone who commands a certain power and authority, but his short height is a kind of image of his stature among the community.  He may be chief among scoundrels in a place noted for its iniquity.  Note how the people grumble that Christ goes to stay with a man who's a sinner.  Zacchaeus is not just a tax collector, he's a chief tax collector -- and a tax collector is seen as a betrayer of the community.  So, in a town known for its sinfulness, Zacchaeus stands out.  But again, Christ is greater than anything else we might understand, and He's more compelling and powerful than even the most notorious bad man's reputation.  The image of Zacchaeus needing to climb the sycamore to see Christ tells us that whatever he's done to "achieve" his wealth, he can't hold a candle to the stature and drawing power of Christ.  The Incarnation is in itself an event of such magnitude that no worldly power or coercion can hold a candle to it; there is simply nothing else like it.  So powerful it is that Zacchaeus is transformed by the call of Christ, and he becomes a different man.  In so doing, he's restored to community.  In His teachings to His disciples, Jesus is frequently citing and extolling the things that make us "little" in the eyes of the world.  Humility, in particular, is constantly stressed, as has continued in the entire history of the Church as the virtue upon which all else rests.  He tells His disciples that above all else, they must care for the little ones.  In the Beatitudes, the blessedness of the poor in spirit is the first given.  How would we expect a chief tax collector, backed up by Roman soldiers, to view those virtues of humility, and being poor in spirit?  But these virtues of humility are the means by which we encounter Christ and in which the grace of God may enter and shine through our lives (2 Corinthians 12:9).  It is, paradoxically, these qualities we associate with "littleness" and the care of the powerless that open the door for the greatest power we can encounter, the most compelling draw understood by human beings.  What we encounter in Zacchaeus is the transformation possible through the power of God, which my study bible frames within the saying of Christ that "the things which are impossible with men are possible with God" (see 18:24-27).  This is not simply about repentance and change, but about the power of grace to be at work in people's lives, reaching into place that no other thing or person can reach, no other power can achieve.  This is what we understand, the power of grace to transform, restore, and create what is good, the community necessary for the good order of human beings.  Note how Zacchaeus' restoration and voluntary gift creates "right-relatedness" (or righteousness) between himself and Christ, and between himself and the community.  In this we have the fulfillment of the two greatest commandments given by Jesus, love of God first, and from there love of neighbor.  In a world full of images of would-be perfection and achievement, let us think about the power of grace and its effects,  the great strength and power possible through the door of humility, and even patience with our own "weakness."    One may read of scandalous behavior among the famous and wealthy, the socially powerful extolled through media -- and the hypocritical response of political hysteria that follows but does not touch the heart and soul, nor the redeeming power of the work of God.  But Christ's way of humility and grace remains the one sure path, the true power of healing for each and for all.

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

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1-10

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  In yesterday's reading and commentary, we noted that Jesus was approaching Jericho, which was a place notoriously associated with sin.  The encounter between Zacchaeus and Christ, my study bible says, teaches us that grace can accomplish that which is impossible to man (see this reading).  Zacchaeus is not only rich, but he is a chief tax collector.  The tax collectors, as we've noted in earlier readings, were not only collaborators with the occupying Romans, but also frequently took more from their own people than was due in order to profit privately through methods of extortion, using Roman might.   Consider what it means to those who observe Jesus that Zacchaeus is a chief among them.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.  My study bible says that there are many traditional interpretations of this important encounter, so universal is its significance.  Theophylact views the crowd as symbolizing sins, writing of Zacchaeus:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  St. Ambrose notes several parallels:  First, Zacchaeus being short symbolizes that he's short on faith and virtue.  Next, the fact that Zacchaeus must ascend a tree shows that no one who is attached to earthly matters can see Jesus.  Finally, that the Lord intended to pass that way shows that Christ will approach anyone who is willing to repent and to believe.

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."   We note, as remarked upon in the commentary by St. Ambrose (above), Jesus' clear intent, expressed directly to Zacchaeus.  At the same time, there is the response of the crowd, which complained of Jesus choice to be a guest of one who is a sinner, a chief tax collector.  But we also note the joy of Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus 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."  My study bible explains that Zacchaeus uses the term give for his free and generous offering to the poor, and restore for what he owes to those whom he's cheated.  The latter is not a gift but was required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  In doing both, Zacchaeus not only fulfills the Law, but he also willingly shows that he has a love of the gospel.

And Jesus said to him, "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." My study bible tells us that the title Jesus gives to Zacchaeus, son of Abraham, indicates that he had become like that patriarch of Israel:  he is counted righteous by his faith, he became generous to the poor, and he is united to the people of God.  Early records indicate that Zacchaeus went on to become a bishop of the Church.

What do we make of the extraordinary transformations we read about in the Gospel?  Here, the transformation of Zacchaeus is possibly among the most surprising and surpassing.  A chief tax collector, as explained above, was a notorious sinner, generally considered among the people to be reprehensible and in extreme disfavor.  But yet, Christ singles out this man Zacchaeus, in order to find him and to restore him as a son of Abraham.  It is a tremendous and personal illustration of the three parables that Jesus told to the Pharisees when they criticized the fact that tax collectors came to hear Him speak:  those of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son (which is found only in Luke's Gospel).  Here, Zacchaeus, this chief tax collector, was lost and is found by Christ, and restored as a son of Abraham -- an illustration of salvation.  We might ask ourselves what qualities this chief tax collector possessed that were used in a wrong direction, and salvaged by Christ for service to the Church.  As chief tax collector, Zacchaeus must have been capable of leadership and management, with a capacity for exercising authority over others.  He would also have been able to work with others who were non-Jews, and come to an understanding of working within and among the Roman system of laws and administration.  His rank most likely gives us to understand that despite crooked dealings, he is a highly intelligent man.  In other words, his wrong direction in life was a poor use of the talents innate to his person, which were gifts of God.  Salvation, then, is a way of not just setting things right with God, but restoring a person to a proper use of gifts.  That is, finding a place which is fitting and right for personal gifts created and bestowed by God.  Zacchaeus' wrong direction was self-chosen and perhaps one apparently available to one of short stature, unimpressive, not a part of the upper or ruling classes to begin with (such as the Pharisees and Sadducees or the priestly class) -- but who was nevertheless highly capable and intelligent.   In our modern age, there are plenty of real life examples of highly intelligent and capable men who made choices to go into a life of organized crime, also practicing extortion and graft, who came from backgrounds which made more legitimate leadership or administrative positions unavailable to them in their own societies.  But Zacchaeus is reclaimed by Christ, becoming a bishop in the Church.  And here is the true restoration:  to be lost and found is to be restored to identity as son of Abraham.  Like the Prodigal Son, Zacchaeus is able to "come home" and find his patrimony, reclaiming true identity.  His acts of both restoration and giving let us know that his heart is sincere in its desire to return to this place of true self through salvation by faith in Christ.  But none of this would have been possible without the intention of Christ in the first place to pass by the place where Zacchaeus had climbed the tree to see Him.  In that we can see a parallel to the Incarnation itself; Christ, Son of God, intentionally "passes by" our world as Son of Man, the human Jesus, making Himself available to all of us for restoration, our own salvation to our proper places.  It is the Creator who makes available the grace that gives us our rightful place and identity as creations of God.  In this is the full story of the gospel and of Jesus Christ.  Zacchaeus is a stand-in for all of us, reaching toward something we don't quite know, seizing what looks like a good opportunity in earthly or worldly terms, and coming up short -- until we find the One who passes by and teaches us restoration, gives us the grace for salvation, and true direction for proper use of our very lives.  This is the choice for a life of faith and communion, an ongoing discipleship that takes everything we are and everything we have, teaching us honest repentance and our rightful place.  Let us remember that Jesus is passing through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem and the Cross.  He asks us all to follow, each in our own way.  Are you ready to join Him on that journey for you?

Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house

 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He as going to pass that way.  And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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."  And Jesus said to him, "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 19:1-10

Yesterday we read that Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished.  For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spat upon.  They will scourge Him and kill Him.  And the third day He will rise again."  But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.  Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging.  And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant.  So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.  And he cried out, saying, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"  So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him.  And when he had come near, He asked him, saying, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He said, "Lord, that I may receive my sight."  Then Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God.  And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.  Jericho was notorious in Jesus' time as a place of sin, violence, and iniquity.  See the story of the Good Samaritan.

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.   Zacchaeus is not only a rich man, he is also a chief tax collector.  He is therefore hated among his own people for working for the Romans, and overseeing as chief those who commonly committed extortion as part of their work.  The encounter between Christ and wealthy Zacchaeus gives us an example of what Jesus has taught earlier in the encounter with the rich ruler, that the things which are impossible with men are possible with God; that is, through grace.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.  So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He as going to pass that way.  My study bible tells us that there are many spiritual interpretations that convey the universal significance of this encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus.  Theophylact understands the crowd as symbolizing sins:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  St. Ambrose speaks of several parallels:  First, Zacchaeus being short is indicative of short stature in faith and virtue.  Second, Zacchaeus must ascend a tree, showing that nobody attached to earthly matters can see Christ.  Finally, the Lord intending to pass that way reveals that Christ will approach anyone willing to repent and believe.

And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.  But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."  Then Zacchaeus 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." It's important to note the terms that are used here.  Zacchaeus says he will give his free and generous offering to the poor.   And, on the other hand, he will restore that which he owes to those whom he has cheated.  The restoration isn't a gift, but rather a requirement in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 22:1).   In doing both of these things, Zacchaeus not only fulfills the Law, but also demonstrates a love of the gospel and true repentance.

And Jesus said to him, "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."   The title son of Abraham tells us that Zacchaeus had become like the patriarch of Israel, my study bible says.  In other words, he was counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  Early records reveal that he eventually became a bishop of the Church.  In Zacchaeus is revealed the full mission of Christ:  "to seek and to save that which was lost."

The story of Zacchaeus truly teaches us to think about what it means that Christ came to seek and save that which was lost.  We often may have images in our minds of what it is to be lost:  Jesus uses the illustration of the one sheep that strays from the flock, for which the shepherd goes out to search (Luke 15:4).  In other encounters, Jesus is bringing back into the fold those who are excluded for various reasons.   The woman with the blood flow is excluded from community, as it renders her unclean, and Jesus restores her, saying, "Your faith has made you well."  (See this reading.)  Lepers are excluded from all community, as their disease renders them unclean as well, but Jesus restores ten; He then makes a point of noting that the only one who gave glory to God was a Samaritan, hated by the Jews, making him a double outsider (see this reading).  We contrast Zacchaeus with the rich ruler, who upheld all the laws from his youth but failed to make the sacrifice asked of him when Christ counseled him to sell his goods and give them to the poor.  Jesus said he would then have treasure in heaven, and he could follow Christ for the gift of eternal life (see this reading).  At the top of that reading, little children are brought to Christ, and the disciples rebuke those who do so, as they are seen to be pestering Him -- but Jesus' response is to embrace these who are 'least of all,' "for of such is the kingdom of God."  A man with a "Legion" of demons, cast aside among those who've strayed from their faith, becomes a type of early evangelist (see this reading).  A notoriously sinful woman becomes Christ's example not only of forgiveness but of great love (in this reading).  In countless ways, the Gospels are filled with those who are excluded for one reason and another, and Christ brings them in to the fold, into His flock.  He creates community, in the most profound sense.  Restoration happens in particular ways for each one, depending on what it is they need and what it is they lack.  Repentance is not left aside but is a means whereby restoration to community becomes possible.  The last thing we may expect of a person as seemingly unlikable and unappealing as Zacchaeus is some sort of comparison with the (perhaps over-sentimentalized) image of a lost sheep gone astray from the flock.   And yet, he serves as Jesus' foundation for the saying that "the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."   In Zacchaeus we find the illustration of the fullness of Jesus' words, that they truly apply to any and all.  There really could not be a person with more strikes against him than this chief tax collector, who has become rich through violence and extortion against his own people.  On top of that, he's done so in collaboration with the occupying army of the enemy, the Romans.   And yet, there our story is, and in the story of the Church, Zacchaeus was to become a bishop.  All of which is to say that we can never assume we know all there is to our faith.  God, who knows the hearts of all, will always surprise us.  We may think we know and understand our faith.  But the fact that what is impossible with man is possible with God will always stun us in its fullness and its examples of true faithful and their stories.  Outsiders, we must remember, are those whom everybody else excludes and despises.  But He brings them in, and makes them His own.  These words of Christ are not just "feel good" sayings.  His fulfillment in the work of God in the world really lets us know how deeply and truly He means it, how "real" this all is.  Think of the shocked crowd, including the man himself, when Jesus announces, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house."  Let us prepare for more surprises.