Luke 19. “And Jesus said to him [Zacchaeus], today salvation has come to this house…” (19:9). In the world of children’s church, Zacchaeus has become a favorite character. Maybe you know the song about “A wee little man was he… who climbed up in a sycamore tree, to see what he could see…” As we read the narrative today with adult eyes, I want to encourage you to see it as a salvation story.

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem (for what we know will be the last week of his life) and he stops in the city of Jericho. Luke introduces Zacchaeus to us as the chief of the tax collectors and someone who was rich. Zacchaeus was an important person in town, with a lot of power, and probably not liked by most people. He was curious about Jesus and so went to great lengths to work around the crowded streets and find a good vantage point. (Have you ever been to a huge parade? Same challenges.) Zacchaeus is curious about Jesus – a good starting point for a salvation story.

Jesus sees him and calls him by name, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today”. (19:5) Our salvation story continues – Jesus knows him and that his heart is open, calls him by name (of all the people in the crowd), and invites himself over for a meal. Zacchaeus could have said no. But his heart was very open to a relationship with Jesus, so he hurried and came down and received him  joyfully (19:6). Zacchaeus is excited to spend time with Jesus and receives him into his house (and into his life) with great joy. A lovely picture of salvation.

Meanwhile, the religious leaders on the outside are unhappy again. “And when they saw it, they all grumbled. ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner” (19:7) This sounds familiar, doesn’t it? The opposition to the person and activities of Jesus continues to grow. The good news of the gospel and the arrival of the kingdom of God is not well-received by everyone.

Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus changes him. He stands up at the dinner table and tells the Lord, “…half my good I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” (19:8) His declaration prompts Jesus to say, “Today salvation has come to this house…” (19:9). Fascinating! We see here a wholistic picture of how salvation changes someone. It is not simply – I believe you are Jesus – and then I go on about my way doing whatever I want with my life. It is much more than that! Salvation changes Zacchaeus’ heart, his perspective, his desire to do right, and how he relates to others. The evidence of Zacchaeus’ salvation is how his life has changed. His new way of life is going to cost him something (a lot actually) but that does not give him reason to hesitate. Zacchaeus has met the Lord, and he is fully committed to that relationship, whatever the cost.

In thinking about Zacchaeus as a salvation story, what do you notice? What else stands out to you from Luke 19?