By Scott Bush, D.Min.
Executive Director, Ministry Training Institute, Samford University
EXTENDING GRACE
Luke 19:1–10
People often speak of feeling “seen” whenever others understand or appreciate them. To be “unseen” can be lonely, hopeless, even desperate. Zacchaeus was a man who may have had few real friends and felt little compassion from his neighbors. He may have even felt distant from God. Short in stature and socially despised, Zacchaeus may have been easily overlooked but Jesus saw him and that changed everything.
We must be sensitive to the hearts of those seeking Jesus. (1–4)
Jesus passed through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem. An ancient town famous for the fall of its formidable walls, Jericho in Jesus’ day was a center for the production of balsam, a plant extract used in medicine. This made the city a lucrative spot for tax collection. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus controlled taxation in his area, supervising other tax collectors. This arrangement made him very wealthy but cost him socially. Tax collectors were hated for their service to the Roman authorities and for their exploitation of the Jews they taxed.
Luke adds another detail — Zacchaeus was short. When the excited crowds turned out to see Jesus, Zacchaeus was forced to climb a tree to get a look. Imagine the reactions of his neighbors to this wealthy man who was known for his dishonesty and indifference straining to get a look at Jesus, a teacher known for His compassion. There was likely little sympathy.
In His grace, God seeks fellowship with us. (5–6)
In a most interesting turn, Jesus not only notices Zacchaeus in the tree, but He addresses him. The man who might have been easily overlooked for his small stature or for his stingy reputation was noticed by Jesus. Even more, Jesus announced plans to eat with Zacchaeus that very day. Table fellowship in that time and culture was far more significant than today. Jesus was often criticized for dining with sinners, so it’s no surprise that the crowds are disappointed that He went home with Zacchaeus.
By initiating fellowship with Zacchaeus, Jesus models what the New Testament consistently teaches. If we are to be saved, God must come to us (19:10). He invites us to Himself (John 6:44, Rom. 3:9–11, 1 John 4:19), overcoming our sinful resistance (Rom. 5:8). And when He does, we can know that He will receive us and never cast us out (John 6:37, Rev. 3:20).
When we are transformed by God’s grace, we treat others with grace. (7–10)
In the company of Jesus, Zacchaeus is transformed. The man who once trusted in his wealth now pledges to give most of it away. Now he loves and trusts in Jesus. He once cared little for his neighbors — except for what he could get from them. Now he plans to meet their needs.
Are we often insensitive to others who, because of their reputation or appearance or demeanor, we deem unlikely to be sincerely interested in Jesus? When Jesus changes a life, the individual reflects His grace.
The Apostle Paul says that, after his conversion, he doesn’t think of Jesus the same way, and he can no longer think of people in the same way (2 Cor. 5:16). My pastor says, “The world tells us to love things and use people but, in Christ, we learn to use things and love people.” We can even use the things we have to love and bless people. Zacchaeus learned and lived this lesson. May we all do the same.
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