Hidden Heroes of the Bible: Zacchaeus

David slew a giant, and became a mighty king. Peter, James, and John left their nets to follow Jesus. As a result they became great leaders in the first century church. Zacchaeus never became an apostle or a king, but he did become a great man of God.

Luke 19:1-10 records the story of Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector for the city of Jericho. The religious leaders declared any Jew, who held this position, a traitor. Like the prostitutes, they were not permitted to enter public places. And if anyone happen to pass them on the street, they would be ignored.

In addition to being shunned, Zacchaeus had a reputation of being dishonest. He was one of those government officials who like dipping his hand into the cookie jar. If you had known Zacchaeus personally, you would not think he was destined for greatness. Like so many people who seem to be hard on the outside, Zacchaeus was a miserable man.

By this time the fame of Jesus had spread throughout Israel. And like every city that Jesus entered, he was greeted by a huge mob. Zacchaeus wanted to see this man that everybody was talking about. But Zacchaeus was a very short man, and could not see above the crowd. Then Zacchaeus did something that children, centuries later, would sing about. He climbed up that sycamore tree. Jesus passed by, looked up, and said those famous words. "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house." Luke 19:5 (KJV).

Anyone who was raised in Sunday school knows the song "Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man." This was the very first song that my three-year-old learned. In her bible story book there is a picture of Zacchaeus up in a tree. When she only one year old, Anna would point to the picture and say, "No! No! No!" But there is more to this story.

Jesus went to his home, and Zacchaeus became a believer. He promised to give half his wealth to the poor. And to those, who he had cheated, Zacchaeus promised to return fourfold. His story shows how Jesus Christ can change a life. Those who had opposed Christ accused him for socializing with sinners. Jesus responded by saying, "For the Son of man is come to seek and save that which is lost." Matthew 19: 10 (KJV)

The key to Zacchaeus’ greatness is not determined by anything he accomplished, but what Christ did through him. When Christ was here on earth, he not only he the physical sick. He also healed those who were spiritually sick. The emptiness that was in the heart of Zacchaeus was filled by Jesus.

Zacchaeus did not receive any titles, nor did he perform any great miracles. He was simply a man who had a giving heart.