1. God’s Little Man Zacchaeus Luke 19:1-10
A little man but not little in Character !
1. Aim: To tell the story about Zacchaeus and lessons we can learn from this little man.
2. Luke 19:1-10
3. The record tells us about a little short man named Zacchaeus
4. All we know about this man is recorded in these few verses in Luke.
5. Song we sing with children about Zacchaeus
6. He is a little man, but he was not little in Character !

2. The Home of Zacchaeus Jericho Main trade route Winter home of Herod
Beautiful city
A. Setting Luke 19:1
1. Jericho
a. Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem, where he would be crucified about a week later.
b. Jericho was about 18 miles northeast of Jerusalem
c. It was a center of prosperity in that day.
(1) Located on a main trade route from Perea to Judaea into Egypt
(2) The Balm of Gilead was sent through Jericho to all parts of the world
d. Jericho had also become the winter home of Herod the Great.
(1) There were many beautiful buildings
(2) A sunken garden featured some beautiful attractions for Jericho
(3) Archaeological ruins of the Roman Jericho produce a picture of magnificence with pools, villas, and a theater
2. This was the home of Zacchaeus - but the glory has long since faded2

3. Publican - tax collector
Roman Empire
Tax System
Man for certain area
Amount of money set
Publican - tax collector
Raise enough money to pay his wages and then give the government their share!
B. The Roman Empire was in control of the land including the city of Jericho
1. The tax system of the Roman Empire was different than our way of today
2. A man would guarantee a certain amount of money from a certain area
a. This was all the government would receive from that specific area/province
b. That man would appoint a chief publican [tax collector] to gather the money
c. Then he would appoint others to help him collect the taxes.
d. Each man had to raise enough money to pay his wages and then give the government their share
e. This often led to greed and unlawful collection of money - overcharged
3. These tax collectors were not well respected and being a tax collector was associated with being crooked and dishonest
4. The Jews did not like the idea of paying taxes to a foreign government like Rome
5. But when one of their own people, a Jew, became a tax collector, he was not well liked by his own people. Zacchaeus was a Jew.
C. On this journey to Jerusalem where Jesus would be arrested and killed he met a man in Jericho who had it all [materially speaking] but something was missing from his life.

4. He worked as a tax collector
Luke 19:1-2
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.
Zacchaeus was a Jew
Name means “pure”
He worked as a tax collector
He had riches but something was missing from his life !
II. THE STORY OF ZACCHAEUS - Luke 19:2-10
A. He was a publican - v And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.
1. The name Zacchaeus
a. The name means “pure”
b. But because he was a tax collector, the people called him a sinner (v. 7)
2. Chief among the publicans
a. He was in charge of some others who were under him -
b. He would get a cut from each one of these other tax collectors
3. He was rich
a. It is possible that he was rich before he became a chief publican
b. But he became richer by the job which he had of being a tax collector
c. He had riches but something was missing from his life !

5. Had some knowledge of Jesus
Luke 19:3 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.
Had some knowledge of Jesus
Desired to see Jesus - indicates he was a good man
People who do not want to learn about Jesus have something lacking in their character!
B. He wanted to see Jesus - v. 3 “And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.”
1. It is very unusual that a rich, powerful, man like Zacchaeus should want to see the poor, nomadic Galilean teacher who was violently opposed by Jewish officials
2. Zacchaeus had some knowledge of Jesus and his power to work miracles
3. It is likely that he had heard of the blind receiving their sight, lame walking, lepers healed, as Jesus was entering into Jericho
4. His desire to see Jesus indicates that he was a good man with a good character.
5. For some people today who have no desire to learn about Jesus, it shows that there is something lacking in their character
6. But since he was a short man Zacchaeus could not see Jesus

6. He was a rich man but wanted to see Jesus
Luke 19:4 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.
He was a rich man but wanted to see Jesus
Because he was short he could not see over the crowd of people
He climbed up into a tree
C. He Climbed the Sycamore tree V. 4 “So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way”
1. They knew the road that Jesus was taking through town
2. But the crowd was so large that there was no way for a little short man like Zacchaeus to be able to see him!
3. Here was a rich man - a tax collector - who wanted to see Jesus so bad that he climbed up in a sycamore tree
4. He may have heard about Jesus’ kindness to publicans and sinners - this may have kindled a respect for Jesus and a desire to see him.
5. His being short proved to be a blessing to Zacchaeus
a. Had he been of average height or taller, he would not have felt the need to climb into this tree
b. So he would have been lost in the crowd of the average people
c. But his lack of height caused him to make an unusual demonstration of his desire to see Jesus, and this act brought the attention and blessing of Jesus.

7. Zacchaeus only expected to see Jesus
Luke 19:5 5 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.
Zacchaeus only expected to see Jesus
Heard his name
Jesus said “I am going to your house”
D. Jesus coming to His house v. 5 “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.”
1. Zacchaeus expected only to see the Lord from this tree
2. But he felt extremely proud to hear his name called by the Lord and then to hear Jesus say he was coming to his house was much more than what he expected.
a. Jesus knew his name and knew about his character, he knew everything about Zacchaeus
b. Some have suggested that someone may have told Jesus about Zacchaeus
c. But He was the Son of God - and He being Divine, could know and did know everything about Zacchaeus
d. Jesus knew his thoughts and his motives

8. Zacchaeus I am coming to your house !
1. Jesus told him that he would abide at his house. This probably meant that he would spend the night with him.
2. Jesus often accepted invitations to visit people’s homes and eat with them, but this is the only recorded instance where Jesus invited Himself to someone’s home.
a. He had a compelling purpose—He could see in this “sawed-off” little government
official, the potential of being a disciple.
b. Even though Jesus is bearing the heart-rending burden of the cross, His
first thought is not of Himself, but of “lost sheep.”
3. He was a rich man and no doubt had a nice home and place for visitors
4. Jesus was honoring him by requesting to be his guest.

9. Luke 19:6 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.
He got down faster than he went up the tree
“Joyfully” = to be cheerful
He was happy to have Jesus at his house
E. The response of Zacchaeus v. 6 “So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.”
1. Jesus had made Zacchaeus a happy man - no doubt he came down from that tree faster than he had climbed up into the tree.
2. He received him happily into his home
3. “Joyfully” = Greek Word - to be cheerful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off – to rejoice. We can certainly understand this!
a. Is there anyone here that would not be thrilled to have Jesus come to your home?
b. But in those days many indicated by their rejection of Jesus because they would not be willing to receive Him into their homes.

10. IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE
If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two, if He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you'd do? Oh, I know you'd give your nicest room to such an honored guest, and all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best.
And you would keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there, That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare.
But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door, with arms outstretched to welcome in your heavenly visitor?
4. Poem - If Jesus Came to Your House

11. IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in, or hide some magazines and put the Bible where they'd been? Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard, and wished you hadn't uttered that last loud nasty word.
Would you hide your trashy music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus come right in, or would you rush about? Oh, I wonder if the Savior came to spend a day with you, would you just go on doing all the things you always do?

12. IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE
Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Would life for you continue as it does now day to day? Would our family conversation keep up it's usual pace, or would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?
Would you sing the songs you always sing and read the books you read, and let Him know on which the things your mind and spirit feeds? Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you planned to go, or would you maybe change your plans, for just a day or so?

13. IF JESUS CAME TO YOUR HOUSE
Would you be glad to have Him meet with all your closest friends, or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?
Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on, or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?
It might be interesting to know the things that you would do, if Jesus came in person to spend the day with you!

14. The reaction of the crowd was the opposite of that of Zacchaeus
Luke 19:7 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner."
The reaction of the crowd was the opposite of that of Zacchaeus
Murmured = complained
Called Zacchaeus a sinner
F. Reaction of the people v. 7 “But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, "He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
1. The reaction of the crowd was just the opposite of that of Zacchaeus
2. They felt that the Lord was degrading himself and unduly honoring a man who deserved not honor but contempt, and they murmured, calling Zacchaeus a sinner – likely so loud that Zacchaeus could hear what they were saying about him
3. They used the word publican and sinner as if any publican was a sinner. They judged him because of his job of being a tax collecctor.
4. This is the reason why Zacchaeus responded - he wanted the crowd to hear what he had to say in response to this charge

15. Luke 19:8 8 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.
Give half to poor
Restore fourfold
He was doing this now !
G. The answer by Zacchaeus v. 8 “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.”
1. He was giving half of what he earned to the poor
a. This seems to have been his policy to give half of his wealth to the poor
b. Then he cared for himself and his family on the other half
2. Restore fourfold
a. If I have taken anything from any man dishonestly then I’ll restore it 4 fold
b. If he had gained all of his wealth in this way, then he could not have done this

16. He was a sinner = he needed salvation
Luke 19: And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
He was a sinner = he needed salvation
This was the purpose of Jesus coming
All of us are lost without Jesus!
H. Statement by Jesus v And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
1. He was a sinner in spite of giving to the poor and restoring four-fold anything he had taken wrongfully
2. Jesus purpose for coming into this world was to seek and to save the lost.
a. Matt. 1:21 “And she shall bring forth a son, and you shall call His name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
b. This was said in justification of his attitude and action with Zacchaeus
c. The people murmured that Jesus had gone to stay with a man who was a sinner
d. Jesus responded that Zacchaeus afforded him an opportunity to do that for which he came into the world
e. Jesus saw his heart and knew his penitence and his faith
3. Jesus came to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” [Matt. 15:24] Zacchaeus was a son of Abraham. Salvation came to his house that day.
4. We are all thankful that Jesus came into the world to seek and save the lost, for
all of us are lost without Him.

17. Lessons from the life of Zacchaeus
His need of salvation
Success [riches] does not equal salvation
Matt. 16:26 “what will it profit a man”
Sin is the common curse of mankind Rom. 3:23
Salvation is provided by Jesus
III. LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF ZACCHAEUS
A. ZACCHAEUS RECOGNIZED HIS NEED OF SALVATION
1. Success, riches in Zacchaeus’ case, was not enough then or now.
2. Matthew 16:26 “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
3. Sin is the common curse of mankind, and salvation is the great equalizer.
4. Observe that after Jesus told Zacchaeus that salvation had come to his house, He said ... In v. 10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
5. The first lesson from Zacchaeus is that all need salvation more than wealth and success.

18. Lessons from the life of Zacchaeus Hindrances He Overcame
His Wealth - often lead to indulgence and indifference
His Occupation - most expected a publican to be evil
His Physical Limitations - Jesus looks at the heart
B. HINDRANCES HE OVERCAME
1. His wealth.
a. Jesus had just said Luke 18:24-26 “it is easier for a camel to go through a
needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”
b. Far too often riches lead to indulgence and indifference about salvation.
c. Matt. 19:16-22 – The rich young ruler
d. Luke 12:16-21 “Not rich toward God”
e. Riches and material things in and of themselves are not evil; it is the trust one puts in riches which hinders one in being saved.
f. Illustration “Rich Toward God”
2. His occupation
a. Every Christian should ask, does my job hinder my salvation. Discuss the occupation of a chief publican. (Most expected graft, dishonesty and bribery from such a position.)
b. But Zacchaeus, evidently was free from such.
c. One may work that which is good, or let a job overcome the good influences of God's Word.
3. His physical limitations: smallness overcome by climbing a tree.
a. Anyone thoroughly earnest about their soul will allow nothing to hinder them.
b. Jesus looks at the heart--not the outward man.

19. Rich Toward God Worldly goods God
Rich Poor
Poor Rich
Poor Poor
Rich Rich
“So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21

20. Lessons from the life of Zacchaeus
Blessings he Received
Salvation - deliverance from penalty of sin
Fellowship with the Lord
Same is available for all
C. BLESSINGS HE RECEIVED.
1. Salvation. Deliverance from penalty of sin.
2. Fellowship with the Lord.
3. The same is available to all today

21. Lessons from the life of Zacchaeus
Blessings he Received
“ [God] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
1 Tim. 2:4

22. Lessons from the life of Zacchaeus
Blessings he Received
“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him”
2 Jn. 9-10
2 John 9-10 Conditional salvation. “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him”

23. God’s Little Man Zacchaeus He was not little in Character
He was a big man in the eyes of God
It is not the physical stature but the inward man by which God measures.
1. “I have often wondered what Jesus said to Zacchaeus that night while they were staying in that house. I am sure He talked to him courteously,
but there was more than courtesy. “ No doubt Jesus spoke firmly about the Law of Moses and sin and repentance.
2. God’s “Little” man was not little in Character - He was a big man in the eyes of God.
a. It is not the physical stature by which a man in measured
b. It is the inward man - the spiritual man - by which God measures us
3. Zacchaeus overcame that which stood between him and Jesus
4. He was willing to spend time and effort to learn more about Jesus !
5. What is standing between you and Jesus ? Are you willing to spend the time and effort to learn about him ?
6. Why not obey the Gospel ?

24. Believe
Jn. 8:24
Repent
Lk. 13:3
Confess
Matt. 10:32-33
Baptism
Acts 2:38
Faithful
Rev. 2:10