This devotional was written by Michael Marcus, Congregational President
Memes are a popular way to make statements on social media. If you see my posts on Facebook, you know I am guilty of forwarding many. The meme above is doctored: It said, “Long before Zacchaeus couldn’t see Jesus the tree was already planted to meet his need”. That was a source of comfort, knowing that God had provided for our needs long before we were even aware of them.
Unfortunately, the meme cuts the story short.
It seemed to cry out…but it’s not about the tree! It was time to go to scripture to clarify what this encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus was teaching. (Take a moment to read it if you haven’t in a while. Luke 19: 1-10)
Jesus has been heading for Jerusalem. Before his encounter with Zacchaeus, he cleansed 10 lepers, answered the Pharisees’ questions concerning the coming of the Kingdom, told the Parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (was this a lead-in for His coming meeting with Zacchaeus?), relayed His encounter with the Rich Ruler, and retold, yet again, about His coming torture and death—finally heading through Jericho on His to Jerusalem, the Triumphal Entry, and His Crucifixion.
Before He arrived in Jericho, He performed one more miracle. He heals a blind beggar…
We could stop there, and we would have enough Bible Study to keep us busy for days. Let’s proceed to Jericho and Zacchaeus.
We are told He entered Jericho just passing through. We encounter Zacchaeus, a tax collector and a wee little man. We all know the song: “Zacchaeus was a wee little man.” Now, Zacchaeus heard the crowds, saw all the commotion, and probably knew about all the miracles Jesus performed throughout the countryside. He also wanted to see this Jesus. When Jesus came close, Zacchaeus’ stature kept him from seeing. Ah, a sycamore tree right along the route Jesus was following…Up he goes.
Time to stop and consider.
We are never told what Zacchaeus believed. His curiosity got him up the tree; maybe he was hoping to see Jesus perform a miracle in his presence. How he must have been surprised, taken back even—Jesus looked up and called him by name. He followed Jesus’ command, came down, and we are told joyfully received him.
Ah, let’s not forget about that crowd. We know Jesus has been heading to Jerusalem, and crowds have been following him all the way. We also know from previous encounters with the crowds that at dinner time, they don’t like Jesus hanging out with tax collectors and sinners. He should be dining with fine, upstanding families. We are not surprised that here in Jericho, as He is going to Zacchaeus’ house, they are mumbling and grumbling.
Now we get to the teaching. Zacchaeus is upset. He wants to defend himself from all these accusations of being a bad person. He stood up and said, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” Perhaps he was bragging to Jesus; most likely, he was justifying himself.
Jesus does not react to his statement. He states, “Today salvation has come to this house since he (Zacchaeus) is also a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”.
From this little story we see some beautiful truths regarding Jesus.
Jesus already knew Zacchaeus; he didn’t need his testimony. He knew his heart; he knew he was a true son of Abraham. Jesus then, as the crowds heard these things, told them the Parable of the Ten Minas to bring the meaning home.
