Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, hosted Jesus in his home and experienced a transformative encounter.

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in the city of Jericho. He was a wealthy man, likely due to his profession, which was often associated with corruption and extortion in ancient Roman-occupied Israel. When Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus sought to see him but was hindered by his short stature and the crowd. He climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. Noticing Zacchaeus, Jesus called him down and declared his intention to stay at his house. This encounter led to a profound change in Zacchaeus, who pledged to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he had cheated. Jesus affirmed Zacchaeus's transformation, declaring that salvation had come to his house and that the Son of Man had come to seek and save the lost.

Pure, a superintendant of customs; a chief tax-gather (publicanus) at Jericho (Luke 19:1-10). “The collection of customs at Jericho, which at this time produced and exported a considerable quantity of balsam, was undoubtedly an important post, and would account for Zacchaeus being a rich man.” Being short of stature, he hastened on before the multitude who were thronging about Christ as he passed through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, and climbed up a sycamore tree that he might be able to see him. When our Lord reached the spot he looked up to the publican among the branches, and addressing him by name, told him to make haste and come down, as he intended that day to abide at his house. This led to the remarkable interview recorded by the evangelist, and to the striking parable of the ten pounds (Luke 19:12-27). At Er-riha (Jericho) there is a large, venerable looking square tower, which goes by the traditional name of the House of Zacchaeus.