Luke 19:8

New International Version (NIV)

“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

For Meditation

He didn’t have to do it. But He did. Zacchaeus committed to give half of his possessions to the poor, and give back to those he had cheated (Lk. 19:8). He had gained notoriety as a chief tax collector and agent of the Roman government. That made him very rich and hated by his people.

But that was then – his unbelieving, lost days. Rapidly and almost unbelievably, his heart had been transformed by the Carpenter from Nazareth. Zacchaeus didn’t think he could get so close to Him. The crowd, his diminutive size, his poor reputation – all stood against him. He reasoned that the sycamore tree would conceal his curiosity; but somehow, the Master knew his position, name, motive, and real need.

“Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (5).

“Jesus wants me to host Him? What’s going on?”

O, the beauty and tenderness of the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ! How freely they flow towards the penitent heart!

Jesus knows you by name, and the yearnings of your heart. Your wickedness doesn’t matter. The grace of God is able to pick you up and set your feet upon the Eternal Rock that can’t be moved nor shaken – Jesus, the Savior of the world. Just open the door of your heart, and the Savior will come in and dine with you (Rev. 3:20).

Zacchaeus bargained for a mere sight of Jesus and gained everlasting life. The people sneered and reviled Jesus for daring into the house of a “sinner.” But there was something they needed to know. Jesus came into the world to save sinners like Zacchaeus. The cheater and betrayer they knew before, was no more. Christ had taken residence in Zacchaeus’ heart and made him a new creation. But where was the evidence?

“Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

That’s the evidence – a changed and transformed life that exhibits its Christlike traits without compulsion! The greed was gone. The tenderness and compassion of Jesus had come. Zacchaeus honored Jesus before the people by his unselfish offer and promised restitution.

1. How about you?
2. Have you been touched by the Master?
3. Do you sense His holy presence in you?
4. Where is the evidence of your salvation?
5. Where is the honor of your Savior and Lord?

I pray that like Zacchaeus, we will give everything away for the glory and honor of Jesus before a watching world. It comes naturally when we yield our hearts to the Holy Spirit.

Shalom