“Salvation has come to this house”

Read Luke 19:1-10

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This story is unique to Luke. It brings the journey to Jerusalem to a close with an illustration of the salvation that Jesus came to bring, with a concluding summary, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (10; Ezek.34:16). In this way Luke demonstrates that there is no one outside the saving power of Jesus – tax collectors and sinners included (15:4-7; 18:10-13).

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The initiative was taken by Jesus (5). Zacchaeus had shown active interest (3-4) but it was Jesus who reached out with determination to save him (6 “I must come to your house”). Zacchaeus’s response was joyful, welcoming and wholehearted, in contrast with the rich ruler (18:18-27), voluntarily giving away most of his money as an act of repentance and restitution (8; 3:12-13; Ex.22:1).

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Once again there were people who felt that such a sinner was unworthy of salvation (7; 5:30-32). But Jesus affirmed that the covenant promises which God had given to Abraham applied to Zacchaeus as much as to them (9). Salvation had come to his house because the Saviour had come to it and been made welcome. Jesus will come to any house – and any heart – which is willing to receive him (Rev.3:20; Jn.1:10-13).