Chief of the Publicans

“And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 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 19:1-5

Zacchaeus was an important man. At the very least, he was the leader of the tax collectors in Jericho, but it is possible that his title applies to the whole region, or even the entire country. Zacchaeus had evidently heard about Jesus and wanted to see him. He wasn’t trying to use his connections to get the opportunity to talk with Jesus, he just wanted to get a glimpse of Him. Zacchaeus figured out which way Jesus was travelling, hurried ahead, and climbed up in a tree so he could get a good look at Him as He passed by. You may be sure that Zacchaeus was surprised that Jesus stopped right under the tree where he was, called him by name, and announced that He was coming over to his house that day. Some people criticized Jesus for being a guest at a sinner’s house, but Jesus told them that He came to seek and to save the lost. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus that day, but he didn’t realize that Jesus was looking for him. It matters not whether they are short or tall, rich or poor, popular or obscure; Jesus wants to save sinners of every kind.