Seniors Lesson-4

Synopsis

Ah Zacchaeus!

Aren’t we all fond of the little fellow who eagerly climbed the Sycamore tree, just so he could see the Lord pass by? A couple of Sunday School songs come to mind at the mention of his name, while I can’t help but notice now how those songs mostly focus on his height, scarcely his heart!

However, the lessons we can draw from Zacheaus barely come from his physical appearance. And once we put the story within context, we are able to understand the beauty of Zacchaeus’ meeting with Christ and how it could be a reflection of our own walk with the Lord.

Historical Setting:

The incident occurs during the week of the festival of Passover, just before the events that would lead to Christ’s death. The city is Jericho, receiving the throng of Jews, along with Jesus, His disciples and His followers, who are making their way into the Roman foothold to celebrate the week at the temple.

Jericho is also a major tax collection site and Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, resided in the city. Now the people despised tax collectors as they were symbols of the Roman government’s oppressive ruling over them. To add to their displeasure, Jewish tax collectors dishonestly imposed additional charges over the people. Tax collectors were not the most popular, to say the least.

Zacchaeus, however, despite his occupational indignities, was eager to see this Jesus of Nazareth that was passing by. His short stature, plus the gushing crowd around him made it impossible for him to catch a glimpse. In desperation and determination, Zacchaeus climbs a Sycamore tree! The Lord, on His way into the city, sees Zacchaeus on the tree and instructs him to come down. He says He wants to stay at Zacchaeus’ house!

The happy story doesn’t end here. After the Lord is in his house, Zacchaeus, transformed by the presence of God, offers to give up half of his possessions to the poor. He even offers to pay back anyone whom he has cheated. Zacchaeus seems to be a changed man. While Zacchaeus changed after meeting Jesus, the crowd grumbled at their union. Why would the Lord associate with such a character as a tax collector, they murmured  in displeasure.

If we look a little closely, we’ll find some distinct characters in the story:

Jesus: The popular saviour of the Jews

Zacchaeus: The unpopular tax collector who robbed the Jews

The people: Who were affected by the meeting of these two opposing characters!

What can we learn from them?

Jesus: The fearless friend

1. Jesus had a lot to risk by his association with Zacchaeus. His popularity among the Jews could’ve gone down because He was seen with someone they despised- a tax collector! However, we see He didn’t value their opinions, more than He valued Zacchaeus’ soul. He befriended Zacchaeus anyway.
   
   

Do we often avoid people because they would effect our social standing in a crowd?

2. Not only did Jesus make a friendly gesture, He told Zacchaeus He was going to stay in His house. Despite the fact that Jesus and His followers were on their way some place else, He stopped for Zacchaeus and spent time with Him. The result was Zacchaeus’ great transformation!

How often do we stop what we’re doing in our lives, and give time to our friends, family or those who are in need?

Zacchaeus: The Game Changer

1. Zacchaeus had many challenges just to catch a glimpse of Jesus. However, he was so determined, he found a way out of his challenges and the result was the saviour coming into his home and changing his life!
   
   

Do we find a way out of our challenges to seek God?

2. Zacchaeus not only hosted Jesus in his home, but he made a change. A BIG one. Zacchaeus gave up half of his possessions to the poor and was willing to pay back anyone doubly if he was guilty of cheating them!
   
   

Do we recognize our sins and offer to change ourselves to follow Christ?

The People: Judgemental and Despised

1. The people grumbled at Jesus and Zacchaeus’ meeting, as they saw Zacchaeus for his outwardly deeds and reputation. They wondered why Jesus was associating with Him. They did not understand that God looks at the inside while man looks at the out.
   

Do we judge people based on their outwardly deeds, and fail to look at their repentant hearts?

2. The people were involved with their own interests and thus didn’t realise that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, like Zacchaeus.
   

Are we self-centred in our Christian walk?

Reflect on these pointers while you meditate on Luke:19 and look at the story of Zacchaeus again.