Zacchaaeus the tax collector - Sakaio le ao lafoga

Scripture Focus: Luka 19:1-27

He entered and was passing through Jericho. There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn’t because of the crowd, because he was short. He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” He hurried, came down, and received him joyfully. When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, “He has gone in to lodge with a man who is a sinner.” Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.” Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” As they heard these things, he went on and told a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God would be revealed immediately. He said therefore, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. He called ten servants of his, and gave them ten mina coins, and told them, ‘Conduct business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him, and sent an envoy after him, saying, ‘We don’t want this man to reign over us.’ “When he had come back again, having received the kingdom, he commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by conducting business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten more minas.’ “He said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ “The second came, saying, ‘Your mina, Lord, has made five minas.’ “So he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Another came, saying, ‘Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief, for I feared you, because you are an exacting man. You take up that which you didn’t lay down, and reap that which you didn’t sow.’ “He said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting man, taking up that which I didn’t lay down, and reaping that which I didn’t sow. Then why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?’ He said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina away from him, and give it to him who has the ten minas.’ “They said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘For I tell you that to everyone who has, will more be given; but from him who doesn’t have, even that which he has will be taken away from him. But bring those enemies of mine who didn’t want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.’”
- Luke 19:1-27 (WEB)

Study:

The story of Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, highlights a powerful message of transformation and grace. Zacchaeus was a wealthy man, yet he was despised by his community because tax collectors were often corrupt and collaborators with the Roman authorities. His zeal to see Jesus despite his short stature and the crowd signifies a sincere seeking for something deeper than wealth or status. Jesus' invitation to stay at Zacchaeus' house shows God's willingness to meet people where they are, regardless of their past. Zacchaeus’ response—giving half his possessions to the poor and repaying four times what was wrongfully taken—illustrates true repentance and generosity motivated by encounter with Christ. The following parable of the nobleman and the minas reinforces the call for faithful stewardship and accountability. Those who receive God's gifts are entrusted to use them wisely for His kingdom. The passage teaches us about God's inclusive salvation, the power of repentance, and the responsibility that comes with God's blessings.

Application:

This passage challenges us today to examine our own hearts and priorities. Like Zacchaeus, we may need to go out of our way to truly seek Jesus, overcoming obstacles or distractions that keep us from seeing Him clearly. Jesus desires to enter our lives and transform us, leading us toward generosity and integrity. It also reminds us that salvation is available to all, even those whom society rejects. Lastly, the parable encourages us to be good stewards of the resources, opportunities, and gifts God has given us, actively using them to build His kingdom. Are we investing in God's purposes and reflecting His love in our daily lives?

Reflection Questions:

• What does Zacchaeus’ eagerness to see Jesus teach about my own pursuit of God?
• How can I show true repentance and generosity in my daily life?
• Am I open to Jesus inviting Himself into my 'house'—my life and heart?
• In what ways am I stewarding the gifts and resources God has entrusted to me?
• How can I overcome societal judgments to embrace God’s inclusive love?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, like Zacchaeus, I want to see You clearly and welcome You into my life. Help me to repent sincerely and follow You with a generous heart. Teach me to be a faithful steward of all You have given me. Thank You for seeking and saving the lost. May my life reflect Your love and grace every day. Amen.

Tags: Zacchaeus, tax collector, repentance, generosity, stewardship, salvation, Luke 19, Jesus, Bible study, Christian transformation