called him a
"sinner," and they were probably right. "He was a chief publican, and he
was rich." A man might be a publican and be honest, but he would probably
be poor. Zacchaeus' task was that of a taxgatherer, and when it is
remembered that these officials made their wealth by extortion and
dishonesty, to say the least, it was suspicious when a taxgatherer was
rich.

"He sought to see Jesus who he was." It may have been curiosity, but there
was a certain eagerness in his desire. He possibly had heard of the great
Prophet who was so kind in his treatment of publicans and sinners.
However, he could not see Jesus "for the crowd, because he was little of
stature." Obstacles often arise in the way of those whose attention is
first turned toward Christ. If, however, they are earnest in their desire,
they are certain to learn more of him.

The earnestness of Zacchaeus was shown as "he ran on before, and climbed up
into a sycomore tree to see him." There was something undignified in the
action of this little man of wealth, but his eagerness received an
unexpected reward, for "When Jesus came to the place he looked up, and
said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must
abide at thy house." This is the only time so far as we know that Jesus
invited himself to be a guest, but we are certain that he is ever ready to
abide with those whose hearts are open to receive him. It has been said
that Zacchaeus was converted before he had reached the ground. There can be
no doubt that a great change came into his heart as he realized how fully
Jesus knew him and anticipated what the Saviour could do for him; and his
faith and hope were manifest at once. "He made haste, and came down, and
received him joyfully."

What did the crowd say? Exactly what the world always says when a man is
turning to Christ and seeking to begin a new life. Men always call to mind
the dark past from which the rescued man is turning. "They all murmured,
saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner."

What did Zacchaeus say? What every man says who has found the grace which
Christ bestows and who realizes that a new life can begin only with
repentance and resolution. "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to
the poor." Thus he determined, as a Christian, to do far more than was
required by the Jewish Law; that Law required a tenth; Zacchaeus promised
that half of all his income would be used in the service of the Lord. "