A. Circumstances which led to Zacchaeus being up a tree.
1. He was of “short stature” (19:3).
a. He thought making a lot of money would make him a “big shot”.
He joined the tax “mafia” in order to become rich and powerful (19:2).
2. The price for his riches had been high.
a. He could not participate in the temple feasts.
b. He was despised by his people (19:7).
c. His situation seemed hopeless.
3. He had heard about Jesus, who claimed to be the promised Savior.
a. He had heard that Jesus received and ate with sinners.
b. Matthew, a tax collector, was now one of His apostles.
4. He heard that Jesus was coming through Jericho and he was desperate
to see Him; to find out if what he had heard was true.
a. He could not see Him or get to Him through the crowd.
b. He ran ahead to a sycamore tree whose branches extended over the road way and climbed up the tree. This would be his only chance (19:3-4).
B. Jesus’ response.
1. He not only saw Zacchaeus but called him by name (19:5).
2. “Today I must stay at your house” (19:5)
C. Zacchaeus’ response.
a. “he made haste and received Him joyfully” (19:6).
b. “Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor...I restore fourfold” (19:8).
He no longer needed wealth and power to be “somebody”!