Chapter 61—Zacchaeus
This chapter is based on
Luke 19:1-10
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On the way to Jerusalem “Jesus entered and passed through Jeri-
cho.” A few miles from the Jordan, on the western edge of the valley
that here spread out into a plain, the city lay in the midst of tropic
verdure and luxuriance of beauty. With its palm trees and rich gardens
watered by living springs, it gleamed like an emerald in the setting of
limestone hills and desolate ravines that interposed between Jerusalem
and the city of the plain.
Many caravans on their way to the feast passed through Jericho.
Their arrival was always a festive season, but now a deeper interest
stirred the people. It was known that the Galilean Rabbi who had so
lately brought Lazarus to life was in the throng; and though whispers
were rife as to the plottings of the priests, the multitudes were eager to
do Him homage.
Jericho was one of the cities anciently set apart for the priests, and
at this time large numbers of priests had their residence there. But the
city had also a population of a widely different character. It was a great
center of traffic, and Roman officials and soldiers, with strangers from
different quarters, were found there, while the collection of customs
made it the home of many publicans.
“The chief among the publicans,” Zacchaeus, was a Jew, and
detested by his countrymen. His rank and wealth were the reward
of a calling they abhorred, and which was regarded as another name
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for injustice and extortion. Yet the wealthy customs officer was not
altogether the hardened man of the world that he seemed. Beneath the
appearance of worldliness and pride was a heart susceptible to divine
influences. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus. The report of One who
had borne Himself with kindness and courtesy toward the proscribed
classes had spread far and wide. In this chief of the publicans was
awakened a longing for a better life. Only a few miles from Jericho,
John the Baptist had preached at the Jordan, and Zacchaeus had heard
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