A Tax Collector Finds Jesus

N.T.#625 "A Tax Collector Finds Jesus"

Sept. 2, 2025 

Luke 19 

LET IT GLOW 

Did you climb trees as a child? I certainly did, having grown up on a farm. The pecan tree in the backyard was my castle and the land around was my domain as a princess. Indeed, I could see what was going on below. 

Today we study about a man who climbed up in a tree. Can you guess who he was? If you went to Sunday School as a child, you probably sang about this wee little man named Zacchaeus.

What do we know about this man called Zacchaeus? 

• Zacchaeus was the chief among the publicans, tax collector. He worked for the Roamn Empire, collecting taxes from his own people, the Jews.
• He was wealthy or rich, since tax collectors often collected extra for themselves. This occupation for a Jew was considered a traitor. He probably had few friends.
• Zac was a short man. (verse 3)
• He wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd prevented that from happening.
• He was a tree climber. Zac resorted to the only option he had and climbed a sycamore tree. That was a bit below his dignity, yet he had endured public scorning before. 

Who was this man that everyone crowded around to see? What was so special about this man called Jesus?

I don't recall Jesus having gone through Jericho before. It was on the eastern side of Jerusalem, not the northern side. Jesus had grown up in Nazareth, located north of Jerusalem. Jericho was a retreat for royals and the rich. There were palaces, with swimming pools, gardens, bathhouses, and a theater. It was one of the best trade routes during that time. Therefore, this chief tax collector had a lucrative business. 

Friend, have you wondered who Jesus is?

He is the Son of God, the Messiah, Savior, Creator, Redeemer, and King of kings, Lord of lords, the perfect Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.

LET IT GROW

Blind Bartimaeus was not the only person to experience God's grace that day in Jericho. When Jesus came by Zach's tree that he occupied, Jesus looked up, saw him, and called Zac by name.

Have you had Jesus call your name? He wants to have a personal relationship with us, and He knows everything about us. Jesus is a personal Savior. Yet He still loves us. 

There was evidence that Zac had a change of heart:

• He called Jesus "Lord."
• He offered to give half of his possessions.
• He offered to give 4 times as much of what he was accused of taking. (verse 8)
• Jesus said salvation had come to this house. (verse 9)
• Jesus called Zac a son of Abraham.

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (verse 10)

This is a key verse of Luke's Gospel. Jesus' purpose for coming to earth was to seek and save the lost. 

LET IT GO

I once was lost, but now I'm found. Amazing grace!

Anything keeping you from coming to Jesus for salvation? Riches?