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.

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 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.  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.  Jericho was known as a place notorious for sin and unjust behavior.  Zacchaeus, as a chief tax collector, may be just the representative for such a place.  Not only is he a chief tax collector, with all that means for the Jews, but he is also rich.   We can imagine how he came to that wealth, especially as we read further down in the story.  Recently, Jesus remarked to the disciples during an encounter with a rather virtuous wealthy man,  "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!  For it is easier for a came to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."    And He replied to their query, "Who then can be saved?" by saying, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."  The story of Zacchaeus certainly proves the possibilities in the grace of God!  Everything about Zacchaeus indicates symbolically his deficiency in spiritual terms;  he's of short stature, and he must climb up into a sycamore tree to see Christ.  St. Ambrose interprets this as showing he's short on faith and virtue, and that no one so attached to earthly matters can see Jesus.  Christ's intention to pass that way reveals that Christ will approach anyone willing to repent and to believe.  The crowd that prevents Zacchaeus from seeing symbolize all those worldly concerns and passions that keep us from seeing 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."  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."  In some sense, Zacchaeus is chosen by Christ, in a kind of conversion experience that may come to any of us.  We see how Zacchaeus responds to the presence of Christ in that he received Him joyfully.  Zacchaeus' response in his joy at receiving Christ is repentance.  He will give a free and generous offering to the poor, and he will restore what he owes to those whom he has cheated, as was required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  So Zacchaus responds to Christ by not only fulfilling the Law, but also showing 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 had become like this patriarch of Israel: he's counted righteous by his faith, he became generous toward the poor, and he was united to the people of God.  Early records of the Church tell us that he went on to become a bishop.

It is easy to imagine the changes that happen in Zacchaeus' life because of this "intervention" of Christ.  We can imagine the people he's used to associating with, those who share in the gathering of wealth through extortion and false accusation, enforcing (and abusing) the law and power of the occupying Romans.  There are probably those as well who profit from his wealth, including whatever family he has.  And, one imagines, he associates also with those like him, who are glad of his wealth and don't much care how he came by it.  Jericho, after all, was known as a place of iniquity.  But the encounter with Jesus shakes up his life.  It doesn't much matter where he starts, an encounter with Christ, whom Zacchaeus receives joyfully, is going to disrupt his life.  A conversion experience, when it does come to someone as Christ comes to Zacchaeus and insists that He must to stay at his home that night, will have such an effect.  All those people he knows, all the things and places and ways in which he associates with the world, are going to be put into new order and discarded in favor of a different kind of life, and different choices.  This is what God's effect in our lives does, this is what Christ making His home with us is going to do.  Zacchaeus is going to change, and it means that everything in his life will change as well.  All those people with whom he associates, anyone who profits from what he's doing, the ones who are used to him as he is, are going to be given a surprise.  It is no longer going to be business as usual or life as usual.  Christ asks us to rethink what we hold dear and whom we hold dear; receiving Christ joyfully into the home of our own hearts will call upon all the connections we have in life and re-evaluate them in light of the gospel and our relationship to Him.  Our old interests may no longer interest us, and friends may find it simply inexplicable to understand the things that become important to us, and the ways in which we change.  Even loved ones may not want nor understand what has happened, even when it's for nominal good.  These are the fruits of spiritual conversion. The fact that my study bible says Zacchaeus goes on to become a bishop in the early Church tells us the depth of change and the transformation of his life that takes place.  One can only imagine the difference it made to all those around him or who knew him.  I think it's important to remember what is perhaps hidden in this story:  that change for the good isn't always going to be welcomed by those associates we know and are habitually used to us as we are.  An encounter with God is going to change us and change our lives; prayer is not an ineffectual exercise but something we do to call upon Deity.  And we just don't know the power of God and where and how it will reach into us.  Let us be joyful to receive Christ, as is Zacchaeus, and prepared for the kinds of changes he makes in his life as well.

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

Then He 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.  Interestingly, my study bible tells us that Jericho "was notorious as a place of iniquity and is commonly associated with sinful living."  In the story of the Good Samaritan, the dangerous road he was traveling was between Jerusalem and Jericho.

Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.  We've just been told how hard it is for a wealthy person to be saved (see With God all things are possible).  My study bible says today's reading 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 suggests that there are a variety of spiritual interpretations that give us a universal significance in this encounter.  It says that Theophylact sees the crowd symbolizing sins:  "Crowded in by a multitude of passions and worldly affairs, he is not able to see Jesus."  It notes that St. Ambrose sees several parallels:  (1)  Zacchaeus being short is meant to be seen as being short on faith and virtue; (2)  Zacchaeus' need to climb a tree tells us that no one attached to earthly matters can see Jesus; and (3)  that Jesus planned to pass that way tells us that Christ will approach anyone who is 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 says 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, as this was not a gift but required by the Law (Exodus 22:1).  It says, "By doing both, Zacchaeus not only fulfills the Law, but 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, "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.  Early records tell us he went on to be a bishop of the Church."

Guilt is something we need to think about.  What is it when a person is guilty of something?  Here, we see the love of God at work in addressing a person who's been guilty of committing particular injustices.  Christ approaches, but Zacchaeus, far from being content with his life even though he's wealthy, wants to see Him, wants to know Him.  So he climbs the tree, makes an effort with help to get there via a sycamore.  But it's Jesus who already knows Zacchaeus, just like He knows each one of us.  It took Zacchaeus' efforts to get there and make that connection of faith, even though Christ was already approaching and already knew something about Zacchaeus.  It's Christ who tells this short, rich, chief tax collector that He's going to come to his house to stay.  Zacchaeus makes restitution in both a legal (as proscribed by Mosaic law), and a charitable way (by committing to giving half his goods to the poor -- quite a generous sum in recompense).   Jesus pronounces that salvation has come to this house; that's not just in the Person of Jesus, but also in the connection of faith with Zacchaeus, a repentance -- a turning around -- as well in his behavior.  And that is enough to declare that salvation is present.  There is no sense here of a need for Zacchaeus to beat his breast, or torture himself, or be tormented by his neighbors and the crowds for the rest of his life -- or even, if today's mass media had been present, to be vilified by strangers everywhere.  What's necessary is faith, and the commitment to make restitution, to change his life -- by changing his mind (the meaning of the Greek word translated as "repentance") -- and to go forward truly as a "son of Abraham" in the way my study bible explains.  It seems to me that our modern world hasn't changed much in its mercilessness.  A "worldly" sort of interpretation of guilt these days seems to take a free rein to vilify in every way possible the person we perceive as guilty of violating some sort of code, and justice doesn't have much to do with that sort of behavior.  Law is present to specify correction or remedy.  Popular media can teach us what it is to pick a target and absolutely pile on with insult and threat without much thought of even information; that makes it a merciless environment.  All of this teaches us the opposite of what it is to be really saved, to deal with guilt in the ways that Jesus does.  It is the opposite of a Christian way to address a problem.  The most important thing that we can note here is the commitment that Zacchaeus isn't just telling these things to Jesus for show.  He's not just being a hypocrite for a moment and he's done.  No, salvation has come to his house in the form of Christ who fully expects that Zacchaeus' future behavior wil bear out the change, the commitment, the love of God and neighbor that Jesus preaches.  And that's the real salvation and repentance, an every day, total change commitment.  It's not that we're supposed to be perfect -- that's more the world's judgment by image.  But to make that commitment and to move forward in change, that's Christ's way.  There's no "piling on."  No rage, no move to pillory here, or stone Zacchaeus.  The outrage is reserved for the crowds, and is projected on Jesus for His way of salvation and the company He's chosen to keep this day.  This is crucially important for us to see, because it happens all the time.  Love works to save that which was lost,  to see what is salvageable, and to open the door in response to a sincere desire.  Let us remember, if we are guilty, what is the difference between the world's way of shaming, and Christ's way of love.  Let us do the work of faith and action He calls for in making restitution when we can, for changing our minds and our lives, and trust in that love rather than the world's endless judgment.  He shows us the way, His Way, of charity and love. 

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

In yesterday's reading, Jesus first told the Twelve what was going to happen in Jerusalem:  He 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.  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.   Zacchaeus isn't just a tax collector, he's a chief tax collector.  And he's amassed so much money in this publicly scandalous profession, we're told "he was rich."  My study bible points out that this account of Zacchaeus occurs only in Luke's gospel.  Zacchaeus means "the pure and innocent one."  It also notes that "being a tax collector, he does not live up to his name, by his own admission."  His short stature is interesting; it seems to me that nothing is in the Gospels by accident.  He needs extra help to see, a strong sycamore tree (which in this time and place is a type of a fig tree).  Clearly his wealth doesn't help him to see Christ.  He must truly make an effort to "meet" Him as He passes by.

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.   In some way, we can imagine Zacchaeus' joy.  This is undoubtedly the last thing expected, that Christ would call him by name and say he planned to stay at his house!  In the Greek, the word for "make haste" seems rather to refer to Zacchaeus' having run ahead in haste in order to anticipate Jesus' passing by, even as Jesus is steadily walking toward Jerusalem.  And yet He knows where He will stay on the way.  So the short rich man has "made haste and run" and climbed this sycamore fig -- only to be told by Christ to come down, even as Jesus looks up to see him.  Zacchaeus rejoices at this unexpected call from Jesus, and to receive Him as a guest!  There's a story here, hidden in the language, about where and how we meet Christ, and how He will meet us.

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."  Clearly, in Jesus' mission of grace, He will go anywhere and do anything to achieve what He is here for.  How He looks to others is none of His concern, but rather to retrieve the lost sheep is His call.  In a time where public appearance or image -- especially because of media -- is all-important to public figures, it's essential that we note that Jesus does just the opposite, and does not cater to people's expectations and public perceptions, but follows the Father's mission for Him.  My study bible points out that Zacchaeus comes to have a heart for Christ and becomes a changed man.  It notes, "Because he has been richly blessed, he gladly offers to do something voluntarily, which the rich ruler would not [see Monday's reading].  Exactly what happened in the house of Zacchaeus is unknown, but the joy rings out in Christ's words:  Today salvation has come to this house."  It is, indeed, a reading full of joy.  We remember His teaching about the rich ruler and the camel through the eye of the needle:  "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

Zacchaeus, as a chief tax collector, would be a notorious public sinner.  I wonder how we could compare him to someone from today's world, an image perhaps in the news or in the community.  He worked for the Romans, and tax collectors were often considered simply extortionists (and worse) working against the people in the service of a heinously oppressive presence of foreigners.  Worse, they were in violation of what it meant to be a Jew, a worshiper of the God of Israel.  So we can imagine what kind of a scandal it might be for the public to see Jesus choose to stay at Zacchaeus' house.  We can just imagine the grumbling.  It's well worth noting the salvation process of Zacchaeus.  Knowing his own short stature, he climbs a tree that has been used symbolically elsewhere in the Bible.  In the book of Amos, Scripture states that Amos was a dresser of the sycamore fig before being called to prophesy.  Amos would prophesy destruction due to excesses (especially regarding wealth), and eventual restoration of the House of David, which the Church has seen in the Person of Christ. (See yesterday's reading in which the blind man outside of Jericho calls out to Jesus, "Son of David, have mercy on me!")   And still, the sycamore being a type of fig, we know that a fig tree is also symbolic for Israel.  Jesus' mission, then, is one not to call us back to the Garden, nor only the innocent to the Garden, but the fallen and the lost, the ones who need restoration and reconciliation.  Ultimately this is a healing mission, one of redemption, in which the lost sheep are recovered.  Elsewhere Jesus has taught that "those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."  Let us consider Jesus' condescension:  He walks to short, sinful Zacchaeus, who's climbed up a tree to see Him.  Calling him by name, He stays in his home.  And Zacchaeus becomes a changed man, working in ways to provide justice, even in the position he's in.  It is truly a lesson for all of us, wherever we find ourselves, about restoration and choices and what is possible with God.  All we have to do is to welcome that truth in to find our way forward.

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." 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

In yesterday's reading, Jesus began to introduce clearly what is going to happen to Him at Jerusalem. But His Apostles could not comprehend or take in any of what He told them. He and the apostles are on their way to Jerusalem. As they approach Jericho, they are met by a crowd, in the midst of which is a blind man - who normally sat by the road, begging. When the blind man finds out what the commotion is about, he begins to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" The crowd demands he be quiet, but he persists in his shout, and Jesus tell him, "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well."

My study bible has a note which applies to the whole of today's passage. It reads, "This delightful account occurs only in Luke. Zacchaeus means 'the pure and innocent one.' Being a tax collector, he does not live up to his name, by his own admission. Nevertheless, he comes to have a heart for Christ and becomes a changed man (v. 8). Because he has been richly blessed, he gladly offers to do something voluntarily, which the rich ruler would not. Exactly what happened in the house of Zacchaeus is unknown (v. 9), but the joy rings out in Christ's words: Today salvation has come to this 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. Again, we note the proximity to Jericho, where the men of Israel tumbled the walls of the city with a great shout. There's a powerful metaphor to prayer here, not only in the persistence of the shout of the blind man in yesterday's reading, but also today in the story of Zacchaeus. Here the handicap is not blindness, but Zacchaeus' short stature. He may be a chief tax collector, and wealthy, but he's handicapped by being short and unable to see because of the crowd.

So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. Zacchaeus makes the extra effort to see Jesus. What stops us from "seeing Jesus?" We need to be persistent and find whatever assistance we can - often by seeking the elevation and support by reading the word of those who've come before us, and understood. He overcomes his difficulty, his handicap, by making that effort and finding that support in the sycamore - a great spreading tree that can grow for centuries. In the Near East, this type of sycamore also gives figs - a symbol for Israel, and it grows buttressing branches that rise from near the ground.

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. Here is the amazing understanding of Christ calling someone out. Many people have experienced conversion in such a sense, of being called as an individual, as if the choice were not really theirs - but only the choice to respond. And this is the gesture of Christ which will be made at the Passion. Zacchaeus receives 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." 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." This son of Abraham is restored to his rightful place through the salvific action of Christ, calling him out. The sycamore teaches us something again with its symbolism: its buttressing branches and its fig teach us about extending teaching through the centuries to those who remain in the faith of "Israel," or the people of God. Jesus uses His messianic title, the Son of Man, to teach us clearly in what role He speaks. My study bible notes the difference between the voluntary giving of Zacchaeus and the sorrow with which the rich ruler heard Jesus' teaching. Zacchaeus does not share that same attachment to his wealth.

Again, I return to the image of the sycamore tree. Here it is an image of support and elevation, but it is also a source of refuge. And I think that this is where we begin with this story. I find that the stories in this section of Luke's Gospel are preparing us (as with the disciples) for the times that are to come, the time after Jesus' Passion - His death and Resurrection. We take refuge not just in the teachings of the Gospels but of the whole of the literature and sources of teaching and meaning available to us: from the whole of the history of Israel or the People of God, to the traditions and sources that have developed through the wide breadth of the Church in its entirety and its growth in the Holy Spirit. Zacchaeus may be short of stature, and considered a sinner, but he is also a saved remnant, a son of Abraham. Through the support we find in the branches of our faith, we too may be called out by Christ, and nurtured to find our true wealth and meaning, our worth, and hence redemption and restoration to community. This is a tree grown for centuries, since ancient times, and full of the wisdom of the ages, preparing us for those to come. How does this saving grace work in your life? Have you felt called by this voice? What support do you seek and need to see what you need to see? Call on it, and be persistent. Most of all, these times are meant for persistence in prayer -- so we are taught in this part of Luke's Gospel. Take full advantage of what is available to help, to support and give refuge, and seek to respond to His call and receive him joyfully, as did Zacchaeus. He calls us all.