Luke 19:5-7 5And as he came to the place, looking up Jesus said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry come down, for it is necessary for me to stay at your house today.” 6So hurrying he came down and welcomed him rejoicing. 7And when everyone saw it, they complained, saying, “He has gone to find rest with a man who is a sinner.”
The second movement of the story is given in verses 5-7. As Jesus was walking along the road, he took notice of Zacchaeus up in the sycamore tree. This note suggests that the very reason Jesus went to Jericho was for this one man. In this story, Jesus does not wait for the man to shout and come running. Instead, Jesus calls the man and invites himself to the man’s home. There are several significant ideas about what Jesus says in verse 5.
First, he knew the name of Zacchaeus. There is no hint in the text how Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name, though it would not have been difficult to ask someone in the crowd. It is likely that Zacchaeus’ notorious reputation was well known among the people of Jericho. It is also possible that Jesus had met Zacchaeus at another point in his travels. This point is supported by how Zacchaeus anticipated the visit of Jesus. Second, Jesus said that he must go to Zacchaeus’ house. The necessity in this statement adds further support to the idea that Jesus went to Jericho specifically to meet Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus needed Jesus. Grace seeks us out, even when we do not know how to respond.
Zacchaeus’ response of welcoming and rejoicing was one of a seeker and another model of discipleship. Both the blind beggar and Zacchaeus were wrapped up in a broken, fallen, sinful world. They were blind, though in different ways. Zacchaeus had become blinded by the pursuit of wealth, especially through corruption. Both Bartimaeus and Zacchaeus saw something special in Jesus. Something hopeful prompted Zacchaeus to push his way through the crowd and finally climb a sycamore tree. His hope sprang to life with Jesus’ announcement that he was going home with him.
The crowd’s response indicates Zacchaeus’ reputation. Here was a well-renowned holy man, a rabbi and miracle worker, headed to the home of a well-to-do scoundrel who had amassed his wealth skimming money off the top of his fellow citizens. Saving grace might help the needy beggar, but this man? Jesus was going too far in this situation, and the people who were watching and following were shocked at this scandal. The disciples, who were also following along, had an important lesson to learn about forgiveness and grace. Jesus came to save the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), and all the people of Jericho put Zacchaeus at the top of the list.
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