Many of us are familiar with the story of Zacchaeus, the “wee little man” (as the Sunday school song goes) who climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus passing by. However, Luke sets Zacchaeus’ story in close context to the story of another rich man—a young and wealthy leader who visited Jesus. The proximity of the two narratives highlights stark contrasts:
• The young rich man believed he was righteous, stressing how he had “obeyed all [the] commandments” since he was young (Luke 18:21). Zacchaeus, however, said that if he had “cheated people on their taxes, he would give them back four times as much” (Luke 19:8).
• The people believed the young rich man to be righteous and were sure that if he wasn’t close to God, nobody was (Luke 18:26), while nobody believed Zacchaeus was righteous, calling him a “notorious sinner” (Luke 19:7).
• The young man wanted his wealth more than he wanted God. When Jesus invited him to give his money away and follow Him, he “became very sad, for he was very rich” (Luke 18:23). When Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, however, he “quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy” (Luke 19:6).
The only similarity between the two seems to be that they were both wealthy. Everything contrasted from there. And it becomes obvious that the primary issue wasn’t their money, but their heart. Jesus asked the young rich man to give away everything (an extreme request for a proud man who needed to see he wasn’t as righteous as he considered himself to be). But He didn’t ask Zacchaeus to give up anything. His only request was for an invitation to eat at his house.
After encountering real love and true righteousness, Zacchaeus repented willingly.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 9:20-31
More:
Review both passages again. What other contrasts do you see? Any similarities? What other clues do you find as to their different heart- posture toward Jesus?
Next:
Are you more like the rich young man (self- dependent) or Zacchaeus (quick to receive mercy)? Would God ask you to give away everything or to invite Him to dinner?
sarah1 on October 21, 2011 at 10:24 am
What one thing would Jesus ask you to give up today in order to follow HIm more closely?
winn collier on October 24, 2011 at 9:43 am
What I find most interesting is that Jesus didn’t ask Zacheus to give up anything… that puts another twist on the story …
esther chang on October 21, 2011 at 10:57 pm
oftentimes, i hear of the sermons using comparisons between the rich and poor. today, it’s the first time i read of comparisons on equal levels of wealth. winn, it’s an excellent way to bring across the point about the heart that God delights in 🙂
winn collier on October 24, 2011 at 9:40 am
eduardo, I think you nail it, that true generosity (or selfishness) pours from the recesses of our heart.