Zacchaeus - Bible Story

The Bible Story of Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus was a tax collector of the city Jericho and learned that Jesus the prophet was passing through the city.  Since Zacchaeus was "short in stature," he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed up into a sycamore tree to have a better view of Jesus.  When Jesus arrived, he noticed Zacchaeus in the tree and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."  This made Zacchaeus very joyful but the crowd "grumbled," or murmured in a complaint that Jesus "has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 

After arriving at Zacchaeus' residence, he said to Jesus "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold."  Zacchaeus' actions reveal that his repentance and faith are genuine.  The example of Zacchaeus, who gave away half of his goods, emphasizes the kind of open-handed generosity that characterizes those whose hearts have been transformed by the gospel.

Jesus then announces that salvation has come to this house, for Zacchaeus was also a descendant of Abraham.  This indicates that with God all things all possible, and a rich man can be saved by his actions. Zacchaeus reveals that he is also a true son of Abraham, not just a natural descendant.

Read the full story of Zacchaeus in scripture text below and find Articles, Videos and Audio Sermons relating to this inspiring story.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/rudall30