Bible Figure
Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus. Jesus called him down and chose to stay at his house. In response, Zacchaeus pledged generous restitution and care for the poor, and Jesus declared that salvation had come to his house.
Biography
Luke 19 describes Zacchaeus as both a chief tax collector and a wealthy man. Tax collectors were widely despised because of their association with Roman rule and opportunities for extortion. When Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see Him but was unable because of the crowd and his short stature. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree. Jesus stopped, called him by name, and announced that He must stay at Zacchaeus' house. The crowd complained that Jesus had gone to be the guest of a sinner. Zacchaeus responded by promising to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he had defrauded. Jesus declared that salvation had come to the house, since Zacchaeus too was a son of Abraham, and concluded that the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. Scripture records no later events from Zacchaeus' life.
Biblical Significance
Zacchaeus provides a vivid Gospel picture of repentance and salvation producing concrete change. Jesus' willingness to associate with a despised tax collector demonstrates His mission toward sinners, while Zacchaeus' response shows that genuine repentance affects money, justice, and relationships with those who have been wronged.