Luke 19:8
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold."
But Zacchaeus stood up
In this phrase, "stood up" signifies a decisive action taken by Zacchaeus. The Greek word used here is "σταθείς" (statheis), which implies a firm and resolute stance. This action is symbolic of Zacchaeus's readiness to make a public declaration and a transformative change in his life. Historically, tax collectors like Zacchaeus were despised in Jewish society for their collaboration with the Roman occupiers and their often corrupt practices. By standing up, Zacchaeus is not only physically positioning himself but also spiritually and morally preparing to address his past wrongs.

and said to the Lord
The phrase "said to the Lord" indicates a direct and personal communication with Jesus. The Greek word "εἶπεν" (eipen) is used here, which is a simple past tense verb meaning "said" or "spoke." This interaction highlights the personal relationship and the authority of Jesus as "the Lord." In the context of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is often addressed as "Lord," acknowledging His divine authority and messianic role. Zacchaeus's willingness to speak directly to Jesus shows his recognition of Jesus's authority and his desire for redemption.

Look, Lord
The word "Look" is translated from the Greek "Ἰδοὺ" (Idou), which is an imperative form meaning "behold" or "see." It is a call for attention, emphasizing the importance of what Zacchaeus is about to declare. By addressing Jesus as "Lord," Zacchaeus acknowledges His divine authority and sovereignty. This salutation is a mark of respect and recognition of Jesus's power to forgive and transform lives. It sets the stage for Zacchaeus's forthcoming commitment to restitution and repentance.

half of my possessions
The phrase "half of my possessions" reveals Zacchaeus's willingness to part with a significant portion of his wealth. The Greek word for "possessions" is "ὑπαρχόντων" (hyparchontōn), which refers to one's belongings or wealth. In the cultural and historical context of the time, wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, yet Zacchaeus chooses to give away half of it. This act of generosity is a profound demonstration of repentance and a desire to align with the teachings of Jesus, who often spoke about the dangers of wealth and the importance of generosity.

I give to the poor
The commitment "I give to the poor" is a direct response to Jesus's teachings on charity and justice. The Greek verb "δίδωμι" (didōmi) means "to give," indicating a voluntary and intentional act of charity. In the Jewish tradition, almsgiving was a significant aspect of religious life, reflecting one's piety and obedience to God's commandments. By choosing to give to the poor, Zacchaeus is not only addressing his past wrongs but also embracing a life of righteousness and compassion, aligning himself with the values of the Kingdom of God.

and if I have cheated anyone
The phrase "and if I have cheated anyone" reflects Zacchaeus's acknowledgment of his past sins. The Greek word "συκοφαντήσω" (sykophantēsō) means "to defraud" or "to extort." This admission is crucial, as it shows Zacchaeus's awareness of his wrongdoing and his willingness to make amends. In the context of his role as a chief tax collector, it is likely that Zacchaeus had engaged in dishonest practices. His confession is a step towards repentance and reconciliation, both with God and with those he has wronged.

I will repay fourfold
The promise "I will repay fourfold" is a commitment to restitution that goes beyond the requirements of the Mosaic Law. According to Exodus 22:1, a thief was required to repay fourfold if he stole and slaughtered or sold an ox. By choosing to repay fourfold, Zacchaeus is demonstrating a deep level of repentance and a desire to restore justice. This act of restitution is a tangible expression of his transformed heart and his commitment to living a life of integrity and righteousness in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zacchaeus
A chief tax collector in Jericho, known for his wealth and his encounter with Jesus. His profession made him unpopular among the Jews, as tax collectors were often seen as traitors and sinners due to their collaboration with the Roman authorities and their tendency to extort money.

2. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, whose mission was to seek and save the lost. In this passage, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to engage with those marginalized by society.

3. Jericho
A significant city in Judea, known for its historical and economic importance. It serves as the setting for this encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.

4. The Crowd
The people who witnessed Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus. They were likely surprised and perhaps disapproving of Jesus' decision to associate with a tax collector.

5. The Event
Zacchaeus' public declaration of repentance and restitution after his encounter with Jesus, demonstrating a transformation of heart and priorities.
Teaching Points
Repentance and Restitution
True repentance involves not only a change of heart but also a willingness to make amends for past wrongs. Zacchaeus' promise to repay fourfold reflects a deep commitment to righting his wrongs.

Jesus' Mission to the Marginalized
Jesus' interaction with Zacchaeus highlights His mission to reach out to those who are often rejected by society. This challenges us to consider how we engage with those on the fringes of our communities.

Transformation through Encounter
Zacchaeus' life was transformed through his encounter with Jesus. This reminds us of the power of a personal relationship with Christ to bring about change in our lives.

Generosity as a Fruit of Repentance
Zacchaeus' willingness to give half of his possessions to the poor demonstrates that genuine repentance often results in a generous spirit.

The Role of Public Confession
Zacchaeus' public declaration of his intentions serves as a powerful testimony to the community and underscores the importance of accountability in the Christian life.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Zacchaeus' response to Jesus' visit challenge our understanding of repentance and restitution in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we, like Jesus, reach out to those who are marginalized or viewed negatively by society?

3. How does Zacchaeus' transformation illustrate the concept of becoming a new creation in Christ?

4. What role does generosity play in demonstrating the authenticity of our faith and repentance?

5. How can public confession and accountability strengthen our walk with Christ and our witness to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 3:12-13
John the Baptist's instructions to tax collectors about fair practices connect to Zacchaeus' commitment to repay those he defrauded.

Exodus 22:1
The law concerning restitution for theft in the Old Testament provides a backdrop for Zacchaeus' promise to repay fourfold.

2 Corinthians 5:17
The concept of becoming a new creation in Christ is exemplified in Zacchaeus' transformation.

James 2:17
The idea that faith without works is dead is illustrated by Zacchaeus' actions following his encounter with Jesus.
Zacchaeus; the Triumph of EarnestnessW. Clarkson Luke 19:1-9
A Household BlessingThe Congregational PulpitLuke 19:1-10
A Son of Abraham Found in Zacchaeus the PublicanR.M. Edgar Luke 19:1-10
Christ Seeking and Saving the LostA. J. Morris.Luke 19:1-10
Christ Seeking and Saving the LostT. Manton, D. D.Luke 19:1-10
Christ Seeking and Saving Those Who Were LostS. Lavington.Luke 19:1-10
Christ Seeks AllChristian HeraldLuke 19:1-10
Christ's Estimate of SinF. W. Robertson, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
Christ's MissionC. F. Deems, L. L. D.Luke 19:1-10
Christ's Words to ZaccheusW. Anderson.Luke 19:1-10
Conscience MoneyLuke 19:1-10
Difficulties OvercomeDr. McAuslane.Luke 19:1-10
Doing Good PromptlyH. Smith.Luke 19:1-10
Effectual CallingC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 19:1-10
Evidences of True ConversionChas. Walker.Luke 19:1-10
Gifts to the PoorT. T. Lynch.Luke 19:1-10
God Calls Men DawnT. B. Baker.Luke 19:1-10
Good News for the LostC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 19:1-10
Jesus Finds the SinnerLuke 19:1-10
LessonsJames Foote, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
Lessons from This PassageJ. Hewlett, B. D.Luke 19:1-10
Making an Effort to See JesusT. T. Lynch.Luke 19:1-10
ObstaclesT. Kelly.Luke 19:1-10
On RestitutionS. Partridge, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
Our Saviour's Visit to ZaccheusC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 19:1-10
Persistent SearchDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 19:1-10
RedemptionE. Hicks, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
RestitutionJ. N. Norton, D. D.Luke 19:1-10
RestitutionHenry Varley.Luke 19:1-10
RestitutionLuke 19:1-10
Restitution a Fruit of FaithLuke 19:1-10
Restitution as Proof of RepentanceFamily TreasuryLuke 19:1-10
Restitution Must be MadeDe W. Talmage, D. D.Luke 19:1-10
Restitution Necessary to PeaceD. L. Moody.Luke 19:1-10
Salvation for ZaccheusT. T. Lynch.Luke 19:1-10
Salvation in the HouseH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
Saving the LostLuke 19:1-10
Seeking the LostFamily MagazineLuke 19:1-10
The Character of ZaccheusT. Kelly.Luke 19:1-10
The Christian not of the CrowdR. W Evans, B. D.Luke 19:1-10
The Conversion of ZaccheusG. R. Leavitt.Luke 19:1-10
The Conversion of ZaccheusT. Kelly.Luke 19:1-10
The Conversion of ZaccheusA. Boyd.Luke 19:1-10
The Duty of RestitutionS. K. Kolloch, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
The Lost and Sought-For SoulE. Johnson, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
The Lost are FoundT. Adams, D. D.Luke 19:1-10
The Mission of the Son of ManC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 19:1-10
The Nature of RestitutionArchbishop Tillotson.Luke 19:1-10
The Seeker SoughtJ. T. Woodhouse, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
The Seeking SaviourF. G. Davis.Luke 19:1-10
The Sinner's SaviourC. H. Spurgeon.Luke 19:1-10
Tholuck's Personal Effort for Individual SoulsLuke 19:1-10
Triumph Over HindrancesF. W. Robertson, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
Zaccheus a Type of the Christ-SeekerP. C. Croll.Luke 19:1-10
Zaccheus SavedG. Fisk, LL. B.Luke 19:1-10
Zaccheus the PublicanD. C. Hughes, M. A.Luke 19:1-10
People
Jesus, Zacchaeus
Places
Bethany, Bethphage, Jericho, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Olivet
Topics
FALSE, Addressing, Amount, Anybody, Anyone, Anything, Aught, Behold, Cheated, Defrauded, Exacted, Fourfold, Four-fold, Goods, Half, However, Master, Money, Myself, Pay, Pledge, Poor, Possessions, Property, Repay, Restore, Return, Sir, Stood, Stopped, Unjustly, Waiting, Wrongfully, Wrongly, Zacchaeus, Zacchae'us, Zaccheus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 19:8

     2369   Christ, responses to
     5253   cheating
     5264   compensation
     5310   exploitation
     5311   extortion
     5318   fraud
     5378   law, OT
     5399   luxury
     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     5449   poverty, remedies
     5555   stealing
     6624   confession, of sin
     6733   repentance, nature of
     8410   decision-making, examples
     8715   dishonesty, and God
     8738   evil, victory over
     8809   riches
     8811   riches, attitudes to
     8821   self-indulgence
     8841   unfaithfulness, to people

Luke 19:1-9

     5576   tax collectors

Luke 19:1-10

     5503   rich, the
     6029   sin, forgiveness

Luke 19:5-10

     6025   sin, and God's character

Luke 19:7-9

     5078   Abraham, significance

Luke 19:8-9

     5492   restitution
     6629   conversion, examples
     8407   confession, of Christ

Library
August 31 Evening
Occupy till I come.--LUKE 19:13. The Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.--Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.--Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?--Leaving
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 28. "Thou Good Servant, Because Thou Hast Been Faithful in a Very Little, have Thou Authority Over Ten Cities" (Luke xix. 17).
"Thou good servant, because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities" (Luke xix. 17). It is not our success in service that counts, but our fidelity. Caleb and Joshua were faithful and God remembered it when the day of visitation came. It was a very difficult and unpopular position, and all of us are called in the crisis of our lives to stand alone and in this very matter of trusting God for victory over sin and our full inheritance in Christ we have all to be
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Kingdom of Christ
LUKE xix. 41. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it. Let us think awhile what was meant by our Lord's weeping over Jerusalem. We ought to learn thereby somewhat more of our Lord's character, and of our Lord's government. Why did he weep over that city whose people would, in a few days, mock him, scourge him, crucify him, and so fill up the measure of their own iniquity? Had Jesus been like too many, who since his time have fancied themselves saints and prophets, would
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

Melted by Kindness
'And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.' --LUKE xix. 5. It is characteristic of Luke that only he tells the story of Zacchaeus. He always dwells with special interest on incidents bringing out the character of Christ as the Friend of outcasts. His is eminently the Gospel of forgiveness. For example, we owe to Him the three supreme parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Trading Servants
'Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds.... And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds.' --LUKE xix.16, 18. The Evangelist, contrary to his usual practice, tells us what was the occasion of this parable. It was spoken at Jericho, on our Lord's last journey to Jerusalem, Bethany was but a day's march distant; Calvary but a week ahead. An unusual tension of spirit marked our Lord's demeanour, and was noticed by the disciples with awe. It infected
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Rewards of the Trading Servants
'Because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities... Be thou also over five cities.'--LUKE xix. 17, 19. The relation between this parable of the pounds and the other of the talents has often been misunderstood, and is very noteworthy. They are not two editions of one parable variously manipulated by the Evangelists, but they are two parables presenting two kindred and yet diverse aspects of one truth. They are neither identical, as some have supposed, nor contradictory,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

A New Kind of King
'And when He was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38. Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 38. And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto Him, Master, rebuke Thy disciples. 40. And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

December the Eighteenth the Sinner's Guest
"He is gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner." --LUKE xix. 1-10. It was hurled as an accusation; it has been treasured as a garland. It was first said in contempt; it is repeated in adoration. It was thought to reveal His earthliness; it is now seen to unveil His glory. Our Saviour seeks the home of the sinner. The Best desires to be the guest of the worst. He spreads His kindnesses for the outcasts, and He offers His friendship to the exile on the loneliest road. He waits to befriend the
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

August the Twenty-Sixth Missing the Lord
"Thou knowest not the time of thy visitation." --LUKE xix. 37-44. Yes, that has been my sad experience. I have wasted some of my wealthiest seasons. I have treated the hour as common and worthless, and the priceless opportunity has passed. There have been times when my Lord has come to me, and I have turned Him away from my door. He so often journeys "incognito," and if I am thoughtless I dismiss Him, and so lose the privilege of heavenly communion and benediction. He knocks at my door as a Carpenter,
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Effectual Calling
1. Now, first, effectual calling is a very gracious truth. You may guess this from the fact that Zaccheus was a character whom we should suppose the last to be saved. He belonged to a bad city--Jericho--a city which had been cursed, and no one would suspect that any one would come out of Jericho to be saved. It was near Jericho that the man fell among thieves; we trust Zaccheus had no hand in it; but there are some who, while they are publicans, can be thieves also. We might as well expect converts
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Mission of the Son of Man
Our text announces as a declaration of our Saviour, that he, the Son of Man, is come to seek and to save that which was lost. In addressing you this morning, I shall simply divide my discourse thus:--First, I shall lay it down as a selfevident truth, that whatever was the intention of Christ in his coming into the world that intention most certainly shall never be frustrated. We shall then in the second place, look into the intention of Christ, as announced in the text, viz., "to seek and to save
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

A Day to be Remembered
"And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house."--Luke 19:9. OBSERVE, DEAR FRIENDS, that our Lord spoke this sentence to Zacchaeus. Some of us may have fancied that he said it to the objecting people, but he did not. They may have heard it, and their objection may have been answered by it, but the main purpose of our blessed Lord, in uttering those words, was not to answer objectors, but to comfort one who might feel dispirited by their murmuring remark. Therefore, "Jesus said
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 46: 1900

The Honoured Guest
ARE you prepared, like Zaccheus, to give the Lord Jesus Christ a glad and grateful welcome? If we would obtain the full benefit of his devoted life, his atoning death, and his triumphant resurrection, we must receive him into our hearts by simple faith, and entertain him with tender love. Outside the door of our heart Jesus is a stranger; he is no Saviour to us; but inside the heart which has been opened, by divine grace, to admit him, his power is displayed, his worth is known, and his goodness
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Tears of Christ.
(Tenth Sunday after Trinity.) S. LUKE xix. 41. "He beheld the city, and wept over it." The saddest sight, save one, in the history of the world is that pictured in the text--the Son of God weeping over the city which God had chosen to put His Name there. Let us, in fancy, to-day look upon the scene on which our Saviour looked, and recall the history of that city which had lost sight of the things concerning her peace. No other city in the world, not even Rome, has such a wonderful story as Jerusalem.
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

The Consequences of Sin.
10th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke xix, 42. "If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes." INTRODUCTION.--I spoke to you the other day about the measure of sin, and showed you that there was a certain limit allotted to every man, beyond which he could not go and still expect forgiveness, a point in the downward course at which the Holy Spirit will cease to strive to hold him back. We see in this day's Gospel
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Ciii. Zacchæus. Parable of the Pounds. Journey to Jerusalem.
(Jericho.) ^C Luke XIX. 1-28. ^c 1 And he entered and was passing through Jericho. [This was about one week before the crucifixion. Jericho is about seven miles from the Jordan and about seventeen and a half from Jerusalem.] 2 And behold, a man called by name Zacchaeus; and he was a chief publican, and he was rich. [See p. 76. It is probable that Zacchæus was a sub-contractor under some Roman knight who had bought the privilege of collecting taxes at Jericho, or perhaps the privilege of all
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacchæus - the Healing of Blind Bartimæus - the Plot at Jerusalem - at Bethany,
ONCE more, and now for the last time, were the fords of Jordan passed, and Christ was on the soil of Judæa proper. Behind Him were Peræa and Galilee; behind Him the Ministry of the Gospel by Word and Deed; before Him the final Act of His Life, towards which all had consciously tended. Rejected as the Messiah of His people, not only in His Person but as regarded the Kingdom of God, which, in fulfilment of prophecy and of the merciful Counsel of God, He had come to establish, He was of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Last Week of Jesus.
Jesus did in fact set out with his disciples to see once more, and for the last time, the unbelieving city. The hopes of his companions were more and more exalted. All believed, in going up to Jerusalem, that the kingdom of God was about to be realized there.[1] The impiety of men being at its height, was regarded as a great sign that the consummation was at hand. The persuasion in this respect was such, that they already disputed for precedence in the kingdom.[2] This was, it is said, the moment
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

The Servants and the Pounds.
"And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

General Principles of Interpretation. 1 Since the Bible Addresses Men in Human Language...
CHAPTER XXXIV. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION. 1. Since the Bible addresses men in human language, and according to human modes of thinking and speaking, the interpreter's first work is to ascertain the meaning of the terms employed. Here he must proceed as in the case of other writings, seeking by the aid of grammars, lexicons, cognate languages, ancient versions, ancient interpreters, and whatever other outward helps are available, to gain a thorough knowledge of the language employed by
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Monday in Passion Week. And when He was Come Near, He Beheld the City and Wept Over It.
And when He was come near, He beheld the city and wept over it. Du weinest für Jerusalem [76]Heermann. 1630. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1855 Thou weepest o'er Jerusalem, Lord Jesus, bitter tears; But deepest comfort lies in them For us, whose sins have filled our soul with tears: Since they that tell, When sinners turn to Thee Thou lov'st it well, And surely wilt efface, of Thy unbounded grace, All the misdeeds that on our conscience dwell. When God's just wrath and anger burn Against
Catherine Winkworth—Lyra Germanica: The Christian Year

Epistle Xlvii. To Dominicus, Bishop.
To Dominicus, Bishop. Gregory to Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage [1454] . We have received with the utmost gratification the letters of your Fraternity, which have reached us somewhat late by the hands of Donatus and Quodvultdeus, our most reverend brethren and fellow-bishops, and also Victor the deacon with Agilegius the notary. And though we thought that we had suffered loss from the tardiness of their coming, yet we find gain from their more abundant charity; seeing that from this delay in point
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle xii. To Conon, Abbot of Lirinus (Lerins).
To Conon, Abbot of Lirinus (Lerins). Gregory to Conon, Abbot of the Monastery of Lirinus [126] . The carefulness of persons in authority is the safeguard of subjects, since one who watches over what is entrusted to him avoids the snares of the enemy. But how skilful thou art in ruling the brethren, and how earnestly watchful in keeping guard over them, we have learnt from the report of our most reverend brother and fellow-bishop Mennas [127] . And as our hearing of the unwary remissness of thy predecessor
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

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