The Bible contains many stories of controversial people. If these individuals were alive today and entered our churches, we might be surprised at the raised eyebrows or the whispered comments from members. Some churches only want attendees who look and act like the rest of the congregation.
One such individual from Scripture whom many Christians would not approve of today is Zacchaeus. We might assume that we would be more accepting of this man since we know his story of salvation. However, this chief tax collector from Jericho who stirred the disapproval of the crowds following Jesus, would likely also stir assemblies of Christians today.
We must remember that Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus was unusual for the day. Religious leaders at that time would have avoided the chief tax collector and anyone else like him. Their response was the typical one, similar to how we would react. Most of us today would not have approved of Zacchaeus, just as they did not in the first century AD.
By looking at the reasons why most Christians today would not approve of Zacchaeus, we can start to recognize the areas we need to work on in ourselves and within the church.
One reason why Zacchaeus did not have the approval of the Jewish people of his time, and would not have it today, is because he was an outcast in society. As a wealthy tax collector, he was not popular (Luke 19:2). Although he was Jewish, his job placed him in the lower, despised ranks of society. His identity as a tax collector is why the crowds referred to him as a sinner (see Luke 19:7).
Not only that, but his stature also set him apart from others. Scripture specifically mentions that “he was short” which is why he climbed a sycamore-fig tree to try to peer over the crowd to catch a glance of Jesus (Luke 19:3-4). The mention of his height tells us that he was significantly shorter than other men in Jericho.
Although churches do not typically look down on others for their stature, some church members tend to treat people differently if they do not look like other members or are from a different socio-economic status.
Zacchaeus was from the despised, “sinner” class, though he was wealthy. He also looked different than those in the crowds due to his height. His appearance and the combination of being from a lower and higher class simultaneously would mean he would not be accepted in many modern churches.
Lots of us are prone to look down on others who are not like us. At times, we may even act pharisaical toward those who, like Zacchaeus, are outcasts in society. As redeemed children of God, we all need to do better at welcoming and loving the “sinners” and “outcasts” in society as Christ did, not with pointing fingers but with open arms.
People called Zacchaeus a sinner, but we are all equally guilty of sin. Jesus spoke plainly that He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10). We were all once members of the “lost” category, guilty of being sinners. Therefore, we have no excuse for looking down on others.
If Zacchaeus were here today and gave away half of his possessions from the great wealth he acquired, some Christians would be confused or annoyed. Lots of people would assume he was crazy.
In the West, especially in American churches, members typically live comfortably with modest to high incomes. Compared to people living in other parts of the world, who struggle to pay for food and other necessities, most American Christians are wealthy. As a result, Zacchaeus’ sacrificial giving would make many of these Christians feel uncomfortable. Such giving goes against the philosophy of Western culture that encourages us to constantly make more money to spend on accumulating more items.
The specific amount of money or possessions we decide to give is not the issue. Rather, the issue is a person’s motive or reason for giving. Zacchaeus’ giving came from a place of joyful transformation. He had finally met Jesus and placed faith in the Lord, which resulted in great fruit. Because of his salvation experience, he gave away half of what he owned (Luke 19:8-9). His life could never be the same. He no longer wanted to take part in hurting the poor. Instead, he wanted to show compassion and help them.
Salvation is not based on what we do, but on what Jesus did through his sacrificial death on the cross and his resurrection (see Ephesians 2:8-9 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Experiencing the redeeming work of Christ, though, changes the believer. No longer are we slaves to sin, but set free to live for the Lord, whom we love. How else should we respond to Jesus’ gift of salvation than to freely give of ourselves and resources to serve Him and tell others about His love?
The reminder that many of us would not accept Zacchaeus today because of his excessive giving should spur us to action. As believers, especially those of us in the West, we need to reevaluate our priorities. Are we willing to give our resources to store up treasures in heaven, or are we only focused on building comfortable lives on earth with an abundance of treasure that will eventually decay? Instead of feeling annoyed at an act of sacrificial giving, we should find the act encouraging and convicting.
In addition to giving half of his possessions away, Zacchaeus also promised to pay back anyone he had cheated four times the amount he had taken (see Luke 19:8). Seeing the faith of Zacchaeus, Jesus told him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9). Zacchaeus responded the way he did because he had been forgiven.
Although many of us enjoy powerful testimonies, if Zacchaeus were in our churches today, his promise to repay fourfold would cause some of us to stand in shocked silence. We might think, “He’s been forgiven. Why is he doing all these other actions? Isn’t forgiveness enough?”
As I mentioned in the last point, salvation is not about deeds. Zacchaeus was not trying to earn salvation. Rather, as shown from Jesus’ statement, his desire to give away his wealth, and possessions, and to pay back those he had cheated was a response to his salvation. He had received overwhelming love and forgiveness, and he could not help but respond.
As recipients of overwhelming love, we should be just as motivated to want to help others we have hurt or misused. Among many Christian circles, though, that is not always the case. So many of us choose to receive the forgiveness of Christ but resist the change He wants to complete in us. Because of our unwillingness or fear of change, lots of us would look down on Zacchaeus’ “extreme” or zealous actions.
Jesus saved us so that we can live a new life of purpose. This new life includes doing good works, as Zacchaeus’ example shows. We might not feel called to give up half of our possessions and wealth, but there are specific works that Christ has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10). More Christians need to learn to embrace the transforming work of Christ, even if they are perceived as overly zealous or extreme in their response to His love.
It is unlikely that Christians today would approve of Zacchaeus. During his time, people looked down on him and viewed him as a sinner.
If people viewed him as an outcast then, why would the modern-day be any different?
Christians today continue to struggle to accept those who look or act differently than themselves. Zacchaeus’ extravagant response to Jesus would cause a stir among modern Christians, who live in a culture that prioritizes comfort and materialism.
Believers do not have to remain in a place of disapproval though. We can repent, learn from our failings, and become more open to the change Jesus wants to work in us.
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