Sunday Sermon: Life of Thanksgiving Ahead for Zaccheus
“1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through.
2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”
6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’ “
8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “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.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.””
Today, we reflect on the story of Zacchaeus, a man whose encounter with Jesus brought about a profound transformation. Zacchaeus is one of the most well-known characters in the Bible, especially among those who grew up hearing his story in Sunday School. While Zacchaeus is remembered for being short, wealthy, and climbing a sycamore tree to see Jesus, his story offers much deeper lessons about gratitude, repentance, and transformation.
Zacchaeus lived in Jericho and was a chief tax collector—a position of wealth and authority. However, this job came with a social stigma. Tax collectors were seen as traitors who collaborated with the Roman oppressors, and their wealth was often gained through dishonest means. As a chief tax collector, Zacchaeus likely supervised others and had a long history of exploiting his fellow Jews. He was despised and labeled a “sinner,” a term that stripped him of any dignity in the eyes of the people.
Despite his wealth and status, Zacchaeus felt a deep emptiness. He had heard of Jesus—a man who healed the sick, welcomed sinners, and even called a former tax collector, Matthew, to be His disciple. Zacchaeus was drawn to Jesus, hoping to see Him as He passed through Jericho. But because of the crowd and his short stature, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree—a symbolic act of humility and desperation.
What happened next was unexpected and life-changing. As Jesus walked by, He stopped at the tree, looked up, and called Zacchaeus by name:
"Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." (Luke 19:5)
Despite being scorned by society, Jesus called him personally by his name. Moreover, Jesus chose to stay at Zacchaeus’ house. In a culture where entering a sinner’s home was seen as defiling oneself, Jesus publicly affirmed Zacchaeus’ worth and dignity.
Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus led to immediate and tangible changes in his life. Overwhelmed by grace, Zacchaeus declared:
"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." (Luke 19:8)
Zacchaeus gave half of his wealth to the poor, demonstrating his gratitude and a new priority in life. Also, by repaying four times what he had taken, Zacchaeus not only fulfilled the law of restitution but went above and beyond. This act signified true repentance—a turning away from his old ways and a desire to make things right.
Zacchaeus’ response shows that gratitude is not just a feeling but an action. It is a response to God’s grace that overflows into repentance and justice.
1. What Zacchaeus Did Not Thank God For
Zacchaeus didn’t express gratitude for his wealth, success, or social position. These were the very things that had isolated him from God and others. His wealth couldn’t fill the void in his heart, and his position as chief tax collector only brought him scorn.
2. What Zacchaeus Thanked God For
Zacchaeus was thankful for Jesus’ grace, forgiveness, and presence in his life. When Jesus entered his house, it symbolized God’s willingness to enter the brokenness of Zacchaeus’ life. Zacchaeus realized that what he truly needed wasn’t more wealth or power but a restored relationship with God.
3. What Gratitude Demands: A Changed Life
Zacchaeus’ gratitude led him to acknowledge his wrongdoing and took steps to make amends. Also, he gave to the poor, showing that his heart had shifted from greed to compassion.
Living a life of gratitude is not without challenges. Zacchaeus would face social pressure and internal struggles as he adjusted to his new way of life. But his encounter with Jesus gave him the courage and clarity to live differently.
The story of Zacchaeus reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Like Zacchaeus, we may carry burdens of sin, shame, or emptiness. But Jesus meets us where we are, calls us by name, and invites us to a new life filled with purpose and gratitude.
May we, like Zacchaeus, welcome Jesus into the center of our lives and let His grace transform us from the inside out. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)