LUKE 19:5
Zacchaeus had a Jewish name that meant “Righteous One,” though there was nothing righteous about him before he met Jesus.
We are told he was a chief tax collector (meaning he supervises other tax collectors). To collect taxes, the Romans needed tax collectors and if you wanted a tax franchise, you had to buy it from Rome. They would auction positions off and then require you to pay a certain amount as a tax collector. Whatever else you wanted to tax or keep, that was up to you. This was an easy formula for corruption. They had foundational taxes, income taxes and customs taxes (like a toll for passing through the city). But tax collectors could tax for anything imaginable from the number of wheels on peoples carts, or animals they were bringing, or the products in their bag. Tax collectors became filthy rich and likewise hated. His case seemed worse as he was at the top of the pyramid. There were other tax collectors who were under him and had to pay him a piece of the action. Others extorted for him.
As Jesus passed by, Zacchaeus wanted to see Him. Many people today want to see Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus parts the sea of spectators to go toward a sycamore tree. He asked Zacchaeus who had climbed up the tree to come down for He was going to be at his house that day.
Every morning we have that same invitation. Jesus says, “Today I must abide at thy house.” Perhaps we meet Jesus reading online devotionals, or our personal quiet time with our Bible, and in prayer. Though we may be Christians, we are sinners, saved by His grace. Jesus never stops seeking our attention. He wants to come. He delights in our company.
