Becoming a Believer

KEY VERSE: “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” —Luke 19:8

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:1-10

THE case of Zacchaeus was somewhat different than that of the rich young ruler of the previous lesson. He was also a rich man, but as a publican had probably acquired much of his riches in a manner which the people of Israel in general would not approve. But he was a sincere man, a man who, while having been successful according to the financial standards of this world, was nevertheless not satisfied. He was rich outwardly, but poor in spirit, in that he evidently felt there was something important lacking in his life.

Therefore, Zacchaeus was intent on seeing Jesus, having heard of the wonderful ministry being conducted by this outstanding man. Because he was short and could not see over the heads of the crowds which were much of the time surrounding the Master, he climbed up into a sycamore tree to gain a better view.

Zacchaeus did not seek the elevated position in the tree so that Jesus could see him, but so that he might see Jesus. Using this experience as a picture, there would be no use for anyone to exalt himself in order to be seen of the Lord. Jesus knew why Zacchaeus had climbed the tree. Looking up he saw him there “and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” Zacchaeus joyfully responded!

As could be expected, the people, knowing that Zacchaeus was “the chief among the publicans,” objected to the Master’s being friendly with him, especially requesting to be a guest in his home. Jesus ignored the objections of the crowd. But Zacchaeus, as though to vindicate the Master’s confidence in him, spoke up, and said to Jesus the words of our text, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

Here was a man whom Jesus could well appreciate. Like himself this man felt great responsibility to help the poor, and to see that he hurt no one. While Jesus was not rich with money as was Zacchaeus, he was however very rich with talents and abilities to acquire monetary wealth. But this he did not do, choosing rather to spend his time and strength to heal the infirmities of the poor, and teach them about God. Zacchaeus could understand Jesus’ way of life and became a faithful follower of Jesus through a personal invitation from our Lord himself. Throughout this present Gospel Age, Jesus continues to invite those with ready hearts to follow him: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself … and follow me.”—Matt. 16:12

In Jesus’ teachings we find much information concerning what it means to walk in his steps. With respect to our attitude toward others, especially our enemies, Jesus said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye! Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (Matt. 5:44-48) Here Jesus tells us that to be like God is to be generous, and not partial.

Zacchaeus, a publican, was hated by the Jews, but nevertheless he did good to all as he had opportunity. So Jesus said to him, “This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” (Luke 19:9) The publicans, although Israelites, were looked upon as sinners because they had stooped to become tax collectors for the Roman government. Many of them may have taken advantage of this position, treating their fellow Israelites unjustly, and building up great animosity against themselves. On the other hand, here was one who was repentant and made restitution fourfold when he did wrong—one who gave half his possessions to the poor. Zacchaeus, who had not inquired about the terms of discipleship, had already been giving up half of all his possessions. Knowing his heart was right, Jesus later explained to him what the full cost of discipleship would involve.

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