In the New Testament times, the government would fix a tax amount which was required from every province. Tax collectors paid for their right to collect taxes and would make their profits by collecting more tax than was required. For example, when certain tax collectors came to John to be baptized, part of their changed life required they tax fairly (Luke 3:12, 13). The abuse of this position is what provoked hatred from the Jews. In addition to their greed, custom stations were placed everywhere in order to collect more taxes from people. For instance, taxes were collected at some bridge crossings, certain roads, and at the market for those who came to sell. This explains the heated attitude the Jews had towards these people in the Gospels and the striking criticism Christ faced by associating Himself with them (Matt. 9:9-11; 11:19; Mark 2:15-16; Luke 5:30; 7:34). They were pretty much the poster for sinners (Matt. 9:10-13; 21:28-32). These were your basic tax collectors. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector (Luke 19:2). He was a short man, so the huge crowd mentioned in verse 3 made it hard for him to see Jesus. The crowd may have been from the people of Jericho awaiting Christ arrival after hearing of His miracles elsewhere. Surely they heard of the huge miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11) since Bethany was only 15 miles away. Zacchaeus climbed in the tree to see who Jesus was and became spotted (v. 4). Sycamore trees were sturdy with branches strong enough to hold a short person if they were to get on and hang over a road. This was not usually something rich people would do, but Zacchaeus really wanted to see Jesus. When Jesus mandated He stay with Zacchaeus, he received Christ joyfully (vv. 5-6). Of course, the crowd’s response in verse 7 confirms the reputation tax collectors had as mentioned earlier, but salvation was designed for people such as this (Matt. 9:11-13). Zacchaeus’ fruit in verse 8 were evidence of his salvation confirmed by Jesus in verse 9. Mosaic law required one-fifth restitution for money acquired by fraud (Lev. 6:5). Four-fold restitution was only required if an animal was stolen or killed (Ex.22:1). Zacchaeus judged his restitution more harshly than fraud. However, his financial burdens posed no threat in comparison to the spiritual riches he received through faith in Jesus Christ. Verse 10 sums up Zacchaeus’ encounter with Christ in that Christ came to seek and to save the lost. Zacchaeus was delivered by God from amongst the lowest sinners in the eyes of the people of that day. There is no one too bad or so far out that they are beyond the reach of God’s grace (Romans 5:20-21). Just as this chief tax collector was saved, Jesus can do the same thing for you if you can get out of your own way of sinful pride and trust Him.
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