Topical Bible: Repentance: True: Zacchaeus

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Introduction

Repentance is a central theme in Christian theology, signifying a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to change one's life in accordance with God's will. The account of Zacchaeus, found in the Gospel of Luke, serves as a profound example of true repentance. Zacchaeus, a tax collector, demonstrates a genuine transformation of heart and action upon encountering Jesus Christ.

Biblical Account

The account of Zacchaeus is recorded in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector in Jericho, a position that often involved corruption and extortion. Despite his wealth, Zacchaeus was despised by his fellow Jews for collaborating with the Roman authorities and for his dishonest practices.

As Jesus was passing through Jericho, Zacchaeus sought to see Him but was unable to do so because of the crowd and his short stature. In his determination, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said, "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for I must stay at your house today" (Luke 19:5). This unexpected invitation from Jesus marked the beginning of Zacchaeus's transformation.

Evidence of True Repentance

Zacchaeus's response to Jesus's call is a testament to his true repentance. He hurried down from the tree and welcomed Jesus joyfully into his home. The crowd, however, grumbled, questioning why Jesus would associate with a sinner like Zacchaeus. Despite their murmuring, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and declared, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold" (Luke 19:8).

This declaration is significant for several reasons:

1. Restitution and Generosity: Zacchaeus's promise to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay fourfold anyone he had defrauded demonstrates a radical change in his values. His willingness to make restitution goes beyond the requirements of the Mosaic Law, which prescribed a lesser repayment for theft or fraud (Exodus 22:1-4). This act of generosity and restitution is a clear indication of his sincere repentance.

2. Public Confession: By making his commitment publicly, Zacchaeus shows that his repentance is not merely an internal or private matter. He openly acknowledges his past wrongdoings and takes responsibility for them, which is a crucial aspect of true repentance.

3. Transformation of Heart: Zacchaeus's actions reflect a profound transformation of heart. His encounter with Jesus leads to a complete reorientation of his life, priorities, and relationships. This change is not superficial but rooted in a genuine desire to align his life with the teachings of Christ.

Jesus's Affirmation

Jesus affirms Zacchaeus's repentance by declaring, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:9-10). Jesus's words highlight that Zacchaeus's faith and repentance have restored him to the community of God's people. His transformation is a fulfillment of Jesus's mission to seek and save those who are lost.

Conclusion

The account of Zacchaeus serves as a powerful illustration of true repentance. His encounter with Jesus leads to a genuine change of heart, evidenced by his actions of restitution and generosity. Zacchaeus's account reminds believers of the transformative power of Christ's presence and the importance of sincere repentance in the Christian life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 19:8
And Zacchaeus stood, and said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Zacchaeus
... He will make public his confession and his repentance. ... Before Zacchaeus had looked
upon the face of Christ, he ... work that made him manifest as a true penitent. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 61 zacchaeus.htm

Blessed are they that Mourn
... Thus Zacchaeus, If I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore
him fourfold' (Luke ... A true mourner labours that his repentance may be ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/6 blessed are they that.htm

Eighth Commandment
... gone deep, if the repentance is true, it will bring forth fruit. What use is there
in my coming to God until I am willing to make it good, like Zacchaeus, if I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... by the Jewish Law; that Law required a tenth; Zacchaeus promised that half ... for such
restoration; and nothing more definitely indicates true repentance than the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

Salvation by Faith
... For Zacchaeus, a public robber ... came not to call the righteous, but sinners to
repentance." Why then ... And, it is true, they too often except themselves from hearing ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 1 salvation by faith.htm

The Rich Inquirer
... when He received the baptism of repentance only that He ... profoundly, the will of God,
the true nobility of ... which gives all freely: that Zacchaeus retained half ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 17-22 the rich inquirer.htm

Effectual Calling
... election (as vocation and justification) are without repentance. ... obey his voice in
everything; true obedience is ... of custom; when he called Zacchaeus, he found ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm

The Way from Sin to Perfect Salvation.
... The second fruit of repentance mentioned in 2:Cor.7 ... Zacchaeus, when he came down
from the sycamore tree ... is governed by pure reason." No true Christian believes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter v the way from.htm

The Psalmist --Setting the Lord
... that what David says in the text is true of the ... not come to call the righteous, but
sinners to repentance. ... to the place, looked up and saw Zacchaeus, and said ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/viii the psalmistsetting the lord.htm

The Eighth Commandment
... thou leanest off stealing from others.' Zacchaeus was an ... repentance, and let them
show their repentance by restitution ... were they in great fear,' is true of the ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 8 the eighth commandment.htm