Luke 19:1-10
Summary for Luke 19:1-10: 19:1-10 a The story of Zacchaeus is a fitting climax to Jesus’ ministry to the outcasts of Israel on his journey to Jerusalem (9:51–19:44 b). The final verse of the episode (19:10 c) is often viewed as the theme verse of Luke’s Gospel.19:2 d The chief tax collector for a particular region leased from the Romans the right to collect taxes, and then oversaw subordinate tax collectors from whom he collected a commission. This situation allowed Zacchaeus to get very rich, and chief tax collectors were hated even more than their subordinates (see study note on 3:12).
19:4 e climbed a sycamore-fig tree: This act was very undignified for a man of Zacchaeus’ power and wealth; it shows his genuine spiritual interest in Jesus.
19:5 f Zacchaeus! ... I must be a guest: Jesus knew Zacchaeus’ name and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home, emphasizing his divine authority and that this appointment was made by God.
19:7 g the guest of a notorious sinner: As with Levi earlier (5:27-32 h), Jesus’ willingness to associate with sinners drew criticism (see study note on 5:30).
19:8 i I will give them back four times: Normal restitution for a wrong committed was to add twenty percent to the value of the goods lost (Lev 5:16 j; Num 5:7 k), though the penalty for theft of an animal was four or five times its value (Exod 22:1 l). Zacchaeus apparently regarded his financial gains as theft and promised the required restitution.
19:9 m this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham: Zacchaeus was a child of Abraham by descent (a Jew); now he demonstrated faith like Abraham’s (see Rom 4:11-12 n).
19:10 o to seek and save those who are lost: The Lord is a shepherd who seeks lost sheep (see Ps 23:1 p; Isa 53:6 q; Jer 13:17 r; Ezek 34 s; Zech 10:3 t; 13:7 u).
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