Character Study Of Zacchaeus Series

CHARACTER STUDY OF ZACCHAEUS – A TAX COLLECTOR WHO REPENTED

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 19:1-10

"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." – Luke 19:10

Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 36:26, Acts 3:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17

INTRODUCTION:

Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho, a wealthy man known for his dishonest profession. Despite his sinful past, he had a deep desire to see Jesus. His encounter with Christ led to genuine repentance and transformation. His story is a powerful testimony of salvation, demonstrating that no one is beyond God’s grace.

1. ZACCHAEUS WAS A CHIEF TAX COLLECTOR

a) He was a rich but despised man (Luke 19:2)

Tax collectors were considered sinners and traitors.

b) He likely gained wealth through corruption (Luke 3:12-13)

Many tax collectors exploited people for personal gain.

c) Society rejected him, but Jesus sought him (Luke 19:5)

Jesus showed love to the outcast.

d) God’s mercy is available to all sinners (Romans 5:8)

Christ died for the ungodly.

e) Biblical Example: Matthew (Levi), another tax collector, also followed Jesus (Matthew 9:9).

2. ZACCHAEUS SOUGHT TO SEE JESUS

a) He desired to see Jesus despite obstacles (Luke 19:3)

His short stature made it difficult to see Jesus.

b) He did not let challenges stop him (Luke 19:4)

He climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view.

c) True seekers of God will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13)

God reveals Himself to those who seek Him.

d) Hunger for God leads to transformation (Matthew 5:6)

Those who thirst for righteousness shall be filled.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood pressed through the crowd to touch Jesus (Mark 5:25-34).

3. JESUS CALLED ZACCHAEUS BY NAME

a) Jesus knew Zacchaeus personally (Luke 19:5)

He called him by name and invited Himself to his house.

b) God knows us individually and calls us to Himself (Isaiah 43:1)

We are precious in His sight.

c) Salvation is personal (Revelation 3:20)

Jesus desires to dwell with those who welcome Him.

d) God reaches out to sinners in love (Romans 2:4)

His kindness leads to repentance.

e) Biblical Example: Jesus also personally called Peter and Andrew to follow Him (Matthew 4:18-19).

4. ZACCHAEUS RESPONDED WITH REPENTANCE

a) He welcomed Jesus joyfully (Luke 19:6)

He was eager to receive Christ.

b) True repentance leads to a changed heart (Ezekiel 36:26)

God gives a new heart to those who turn to Him.

c) He committed to making restitution (Luke 19:8)

He promised to return fourfold to those he had cheated.

d) Repentance is shown through actions (Acts 3:19)

Turning to God brings a new way of life.

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son also showed genuine repentance (Luke 15:17-20).

5. JESUS DECLARED HIS SALVATION

a) Salvation came to Zacchaeus' house (Luke 19:9)

Jesus confirmed his transformation.

b) Jesus came to save the lost (Luke 19:10)

His mission is to redeem sinners.

c) No one is beyond God's saving power (Isaiah 1:18)

Even the worst sinner can be made clean.

d) Faith in Christ brings new life (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Zacchaeus became a new creation.

e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross also received salvation at the last moment (Luke 23:42-43).

STRENGTHS OF ZACCHAEUS

a) He had a deep desire to see Jesus (Luke 19:3-4).

b) He was determined and did not allow obstacles to stop him (Luke 19:4).

c) He responded quickly to Jesus' invitation (Luke 19:6).

d) He demonstrated genuine repentance (Luke 19:8).

e) He made restitution, proving his faith was real (Luke 19:8).

WEAKNESSES OF ZACCHAEUS

a) He had a past of dishonesty and corruption (Luke 19:2).

b) He was initially focused on material wealth (1 Timothy 6:10).

c) He might have exploited the poor before his conversion (Luke 3:12-13).

d) He lived under the condemnation of society (Luke 19:7).

e) He was hesitant to openly follow Jesus before his encounter (John 3:19-21).

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF ZACCHAEUS

a) No one is beyond God’s reach (Luke 19:10).

Jesus saves even the worst sinners.

b) We must seek Jesus with determination (Jeremiah 29:13).

Zacchaeus climbed a tree despite obstacles.

c) A personal encounter with Jesus changes lives (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Zacchaeus transformed after meeting Christ.

d) True repentance involves restitution (Luke 19:8).

He repaid those he had wronged.

e) Jesus calls us by name and desires to dwell with us (Revelation 3:20).

Zacchaeus’ story shows Jesus' personal love for sinners.

CONCLUSION:

Zacchaeus’ story is a beautiful picture of God’s grace. Despite his sinful past, he sought Jesus, repented, and was saved. His transformation reminds us that salvation is available to all who sincerely seek Christ. True faith leads to a changed life, and those who encounter Jesus can never remain the same.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, give me a deep hunger to seek You daily.