The Unexpected Gift - Zacchaeus

A dishonest tax collector named Zacchaeus climbed a tree because he couldn't see Jesus over the crowd. Jesus noticed Zacchaeus and went to his home. Zacchaeus listened to Jesus’ words and changed his way of life.

Zacchaeus promised to repay anyone he cheated in his role as a tax collector. In Jewish culture, paying back four times is not a financial penalty. It was considered a way of blessing the victim and making a special effort to restore the relationship.

After he met Jesus, Zacchaeus also gave half of his money to the poor. Giving to the poor was one of the teachings of Jesus to demonstrate a heart turned to God (Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 11:41; 12:33).

As a man who lived on Earth, Jesus understood and helped meet daily needs, including money to support ourselves and our families.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why do you think Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus?
2. Most people did not like tax collectors, but Jesus still wanted to go to Zacchaeus’ house. What was Jesus hoping to do there?
3. Do you think Zacchaeus’ heart had truly changed?
4. How did Jesus come to seek and save the lost in this story?