Name: Brian L. Coleman
Methodical Bible Study Assignment Template
General Instructions and Information: For this Methodical Bible Study you will be studying
Luke 19:1-10. Please answer each of the questions in this template. Be sure that you use the
academic and scholarly sources that are noted at certain points in this template.
As you begin your study of Luke 19:1-10 please note the following as far as context goes:
Luke 19:1-10 is at the end of the literary unit that runs from Luke 9:51-19:44.
Luke 9:51-19:44 highlights Jesus’ ministry in Judea and Perea.
Luke 9:51-19:44 is a “travel section” that marks Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem.
Luke 19:1-10 is part of the section that details Jesus’ final approach to Jerusalem in this
travel section (Luke 18:31-19:44). You ought to read Luke 18:31-19:44 before beginning
your study of Luke 19:1-10. Failing to do so means that you will not be studying this
passage in context.
You ought to read the introductory material in the HCSB Study Bible (found in your
myWSB library) in order to get a better understanding and overview of the book of Luke
before starting this study. This will give you the context for the book of Luke.
Observation
1. Chapter Four Questions – Looking at the Whole Picture
A. I have read Luke 19:1-10 three times in one sitting. Highlight the correct answer
oYes
oNo
B. I have read Luke 19:1-10 two additional times in both a formal translation (KJV, NKJV,
NASB, ESV, or CSB) and a functional translation (NIV, NLT, or NCV). Highlight the
correct answer. You will find a copy of the NASB, ESV, CSB, and NLT in your myWSB
Library.
oYes
oNo
C. After reading Luke 19:1-10 five times, note your initial observations in the chart below. You
should be able to make at least 12 observations.
Verse(s) Observations
1
Jesus was traveling and he had to go through Jericho to get to his destination.
2 And out of everyone in the crowd, the rich man Zacchaeus was there to see Jesus.
3 Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but because he was short, he could not see.
4 Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to Jesus.
5 Jesus already knew Zacchaeus was present.
5 Jesus wanted to stay at Zacchaeus home.
6 Zacchaeus was obedient and excited for Jesus to come stay at his home.
7 The other’s that were present, were not happy that Jesus chose Zacchaeus.
7 Zacchaeus was known by the town’s people as a sinner.
8 Zacchaeus stood and told his truth to Jesus.
8 Zacchaeus was a giver and not a taker.
9 Zacchaeus was saved because of his confession.
9 Zacchaeus was declared as a son of Abraham.
10 Jesus considered Zacchaeus to be lost but not he is saved.
D. With your Bible open, reread Luke 19:1-10 and note at least fifteen additional observations
from this passage.
Verse(s) Observations
1
Jesus was only passing through Jericho. He was not planning to stop.
2 Zacchaeus was a rich, working man.
3 Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus.
4 Zacchaeus was too short to see Jesus, but his determination had him climb a
tree just to see Jesus.
5 Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was in the tree and wanted to see Jesus.
5 Jesus could have stayed anywhere, but he chose Zacchaeus.
6 Zacchaeus came from the tree and welcomed Jesus to his home.
7 The people were jealous that Jesus chose Zacchaeus.
7 People downed Zacchaeus because of his poor reputation.
8 Zacchaeus confessed his wrong doings to Jesus and made his wrongs, right.
8 Zacchaeus made a “If” statement which does not prove that he was a sinner.
9 Jesus was not concerned about Zacchaeus past, he presented salvation to him
“today”.
9 Jesus gave Zacchaeus the blessings of Abraham.
9 Jesus pronounced Zacchaeus as the son of Abraham.
10 Jesus was on a mission to save the lost souls
E. Using your Bible and the two charts of observations you have constructed record the major
facts of the passage. For this exercise you should not consult any outside resource. You are
simply writing down what you have observed in reading the Scriptures and classifying these
observations.
Who:
Luke is speaking as the author.
Zacchaeus is the chief tax collector who wants to see Jesus.
The crowd of “people” is present.
Jesus is entering and passing through.
What:
Jesus is passing through Jericho.
Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus.
The people called Zacchaeus a sinner.
Jesus wanted to stay at Zacchaeus home.
Zacchaeus confessed to Jesus.
Zacchaeus received salvation.
Jesus pronounced the blessings of Abraham upon Zacchaeus.
Where:
Passing through Jericho.
At the sycamore tree.
When:
No specified date or time
2. Chapter Five Questions - Looking at the Individual Parts
A. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional resources folder construct
a structural outline of Luke 19:1-10. The principles of structure should influence how you
build this structural outline.
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. PREPARATION
A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; ILLUSTRATION
he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.
He wanted to see who Jesus was, CAUSE TO EFFECT
but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd.
So, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, EXPLANATION
since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, EFFECT TO CAUSE
he looked up and said to him,
“Zacchaeus come down immediately. INTERCHANGE
I must stay at your house today.”
So, he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, PIVOT
“He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” ILLUSTRATION
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, INTERCHANGE
“Look, Lord! Here and now CLIMAX
I give half of my possessions to the poor,
and if I have cheated anybody out of anything,
I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, SUMMARY
“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.”
B. List and explain the principles of structure (comparison, contrast, repetition, illustration,
question posed, question answered, etc.) that you have observed in Luke 19:1-10. These
principles of structure should be reflected in the structural outline from the previous question.
Verse(s) Principles of Structure
1 The background material is preparing us for what is going to happen when Jesus
entered and passed through Jericho.
2 Illustrating who Zacchaeus is and what he does to be wealthy.
3 Because Zacchaeus was small, he could not see Jesus passing through the crowd.
4 So, Zacchaeus introduced the idea of climbing a tree to see Jesus.
5 The effect of climbing the tree was for Zacchaeus to see Jesus, but it caused Jesus
to look up and see Zacchaeus.
6 Interchange and exchange were made between Zacchaeus and Jesus
7
The subject is rearranged because the people that were blocking Zacchaeus are
now muttering and mumbling about Zacchaeus.
7 This is illustrated by the people stating that Zacchaeus is a sinner.
8 Exchange is made between Zacchaeus and Jesus
8 The story builds and Zacchaeus states what he has done and what he will do if he
is falsely accused.
9-10 Jesus summed up to Zacchaeus stating today he receives salvation and the son of
man has come to save Zacchaeus.
C. Using the examples provided in the textbook and in the additional resources folder construct a
brief outline of Luke 19:1-10.
1. Jesus and Zacchaeus (v. 1-4)
2. Jesus invite to stay with Zacchaeus (v. 5-6)
3. The crowd’s response (v. 7)
4. Zacchaeus admits his sins and declares salvations (v. 8-10)
3. Chapter Six Questions - Looking at the Fine Details.
Using what you learned when you worked through Galatian 4:21-31 in the Observation
assignment, complete the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “when” of Luke 19:1-10. You should use
the , , Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook Holman Concise
Bible Commentary HCSB Study Bible and the notes in order to gather information for these
answers. Additionally, your myWSB library also includes the Holman New Testament
Commentary: Luke. Your answers for this section should be much more detailed than the ones
provided in the Chapter Four questions (Your answers in 1E).
Luke 19:1-10
1. Who? (The characters)
Luke, the first-century Christian physician who was a traveling companion of Paul .
1 2
Zacchaeus, Greek form of Hebrew name meaning “innocent.” A corrupt tax collector in
first-century Jericho .
3
Zacchaeus, a short, clever tax collector was determined to see Jesus . He was an
4
administrator for the Roman government's tax office and had amassed great wealth, overcharging
the Jewish people and taking a cut from the taxes gathered by other tax collectors whose work he
administered . Zacchaeus was rich because he had taken advantage of his position by extorting
5
money . The clever tax collector did get a view of Jesus, and Jesus spotted Zacchaeus up in the
6
tree7. But as they let the tax collector through, the crowd must have complained. How can this
be? they grumbled .
8
Jesus showed he was an "equal opportunity" diner with traitors . Son of Man was both a
9
messianic title for Jesus and a reflection of His full humanity. His mission was to seek and to
save those who were lost .
10
The Jews greatly resented tax collectors because they worked for the Roman government
that had invaded Israel, turning her into a subject nation. Thus, Jesus' decision to stay overnight
with such a sinful man as Zacchaeus, who had sold out and mistreated his own people, seemed
outrageous 11.
2. What? (Key truths or Events)
Zacchaeus wealth could not provide the one thing he wanted more than anything else .
12
Zacchaeus noted the direction Jesus was taking, ran ahead, found a tree, and climbed up
into its branches .
13
A sycamore tree might grow to be 30 to 40 feet tall. However, it had low, spreading
1 [ CITATION Bro14 \l 1033 ]
2 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
3 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
4 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
5 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
6 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
7 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
8 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
9 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
10 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
11 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
12 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
13 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
branches that even a short man could climb and that would support his weight . It is a
14
combination “fig” and “mulberry” tree (Ficus sycomorus) indicating the fig tree in the Jordan
Valley that had leaves like our mulberry tree. Its fruit was inferior to the fig tree and had to be
punctured to make the fruit edible. It was often planted along roadways for its shade 15
Chief tax collector refers to a supervisor of other tax collectors in a certain tax district .
16
After meeting Jesus, the tax collector/traitor was no longer the same man. He would enter
the kingdom of God, but not as a wealthy man (see 18:25). He would take half of what he owned
and give it to the poor. He would find the people he had overcharged on their tax bill and refund
four times as much as he had cheated them. Thus, he took the Law of Moses seriously .
17
Jesus showed ultimate acceptance of the tax collector/traitor turned repentant sinner.
Salvation had come to Zacchaeus and to his house. Jesus' mission had basically been a mission to
the Jews, and this man was a Jew, participating in the covenant with Abraham, even if he acted
the part of the traitor in Jewish eyes .
18
Zacchaeus had become a son of Abraham and gained salvation through faith in Jesus Christ
19.
3. Where? (Geography and Location)
Reaching Jericho, Jesus continued his journey up the dangerous hills toward Jerusalem .
20
Jericho was one of the most ancient cities in the world. Today its ruins date back more than
10,000 years. It was located about five miles west of the Jordan River, 10 miles northwest of the
Dead Sea, and about 17 miles by winding road from Jerusalem .
21
Jericho means “moon”. When Jesus was hosted by Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), it was
probably in one of Jericho’s finest houses. Its sycamore trees were quite valuable. Such a city
could expect to have its share of beggars, as the Gospels tell us 22
Jesus even invited himself to dinner at Zacchaeus' house. Jesus said it was necessary for
him to visit Zacchaeus 23
4. When? (Time factors)
Perhaps, around AD 60-61, the book was anonymous, but early Christian tradition
uniformly affirmed that Luke composed this Gospel as well as Acts .
24
The date of Luke must be after Mark, which Luke almost certainly used as a source, but
before Acts, which was perhaps published around ad 61-62 . It seems best, then, to date the
25
writing of Luke somewhere between a.d. 61 and 63 .
26
14 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
15 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
16 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
17 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
18 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
19 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
20 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
21 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
22 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
23 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
24 [ CITATION Bro14 \l 1033 ]
25 [ CITATION Bro14 \l 1033 ]
26 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
Interpretation
Chapter Eight Question
In this exercise, you will be going back to your work in chapter 6 to apply the principles of
interpretation (What does it mean?) to some of the observations and questions you raised about
Luke 19:1-10. Your assignment is come up with interpretive questions that allow you to explore
each category: Who, What, When, Where. Using these questions, you will study through the
steps of content, context, comparison, and consultation to arrive at conclusions regarding Luke
19:1-10. Lastly, you will seek to answer the final question: Why? We must deal with the question
of “why” somewhat differently than the questions of “who,” “what,” “when,” and “where.”
When we ask “why” we must draw conclusions about the meaning of the passage, based on our
study up to this point. Answer the following questions about Luke 19:1-10 based on your
findings and additional research.
Please note three items:
First, in the Comparison section you will need to demonstrate how other Scriptures support your
interpretive conclusions.
Second, in the Consultation section you should use other scholarly resources (Holman Illustrated
Bible Dictionary Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook Holman Concise Bible Commentary, , , the
Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke HCSB Study Bible, and the notes) in order to present
support for your interpretive conclusions.
Third, material that can be found for free on the internet is typically neither scholarly nor
academic and should not be used for support. Thus, websites like Wikipedia, GotQuestions.org,
etc. should not be used for supporting your interpretive conclusions.
A. Who? (The Characters)
Description: Find out all you can about the characters, including their identities and situations.
If specific people or groups are mentioned, now is the time to learn more about them. You are not
composing a detailed biography of their lives. You simply want to note what Luke 19:1-10 says
about each of the main characters and how that fits with other Scriptural passages. You should
be able to identify at least 4 characters in this passage. Please note that “tax collector” is not a
person (a “who”) but an occupation (a “what”).
Question: Initial proposal based on content: Who is the writer?
Context: Luke was a beloved physician .
27
Comparison: Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings .
28
Consultation: Luke, the physician, wrote his friend Theophilus to assure him that what he had
heard was true: God had indeed fulfilled his purposes in the life and ministry of Jesus. Luke
wrote from an unknown location about A.D. 70 to 75 .
29
Conclusion: Luke was a beloved doctor and physician that wrote to Theophilus.
Question: Initial proposal based on content: Who is Zacchaeus?
Context: “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the
publicans, and he was rich” .
30
Comparison: “A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was
wealthy” .
31
Consultation: Zacchaeus, Greek form of Hebrew name meaning “innocent.” A corrupt tax
collector in first-century Jericho .
32
Conclusion: Zacchaeus, a short, clever tax collector was determined to see Jesus . He was an
33
administrator for the Roman government's tax office and had amassed great wealth, overcharging
the Jewish people and taking a cut from the taxes gathered by other tax collectors whose work he
administered . Zacchaeus was rich because he had taken advantage of his position by extorting
34
money .
35
Question: Initial proposal based on content: Who mumbled and muttered, preventing
Zacchaeus from seeing Jesus?
Context: “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, that he was gone to be guest with a
man that is a sinner” .
36
27 Colossians 4:14, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
28 Colossians 4:14, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
29 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
30 Luke 19:2, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
31 Luke 19:2, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
32 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
33 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
34 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
35 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
36 Luke 19:7, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
Comparison: “All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a
sinner.” 37
Consultation: The Jews greatly resented tax collectors because they worked for the Roman
government that had invaded Israel, turning her into a subject nation. Thus, Jesus' decision to
stay overnight with such a sinful man as Zacchaeus, who had sold out and mistreated his own
people, seemed outrageous .
38
Conclusion: The people of Jericho were robbed by Zacchaeus and because he stole from them,
he was a sinner.
Question: Initial proposal based on content: Who is Zacchaeus trying to see?
Context: “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho” .
39
Comparison: “Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through” .
40
Consultation: Jesus showed he was an "equal opportunity" diner with traitors .
41
Conclusion: Jesus, the Son of Man, was both a messianic title for Jesus and a reflection of His
full humanity. His mission was to seek and to save those who were lost .
42
B. What? (The Key Truths or Events)
Description: This is the time to investigate important words and ideas in the passage. What is
the tone of the passage - joy, sorrow, disappointment, and delight? If it is an action passage,
what do the main actions represent? What are the key truths, events, or relationships mentioned
in Luke 19:1-10? Explore these first as they appear in this passage and then throughout
Scripture. You should identify at least three “what” questions.
Question: Initial proposal based on content: What did Zacchaeus do?
Context: “And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was
little of stature” .
43
37 Luke 19:7, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
38 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
39 Luke 19:1, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
40 Luke 19:1, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
41 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
42 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
43 Luke 19:3, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
Comparison: “He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over
the crowd” .
44
Consultation: After meeting Jesus, the tax collector/traitor was no longer the same man. He
would enter the kingdom of God, but not as a wealthy man (see 18:25). He would take half of
what he owned and give it to the poor. He would find the people he had overcharged on their tax
bill and refund four times as much as he had cheated them. Thus, he took the Law of Moses
seriously .
45
Conclusion: Zacchaeus had become a son of Abraham and gained salvation through faith in Jesus
Christ .
46
Question: Initial proposal based on content: What is a sycamore tree?
Context: “And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass
that way” .
47
Comparison: “So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was
coming that way” .
48
Consultation: A sycamore tree might grow to be 30 to 40 feet tall. However, it had low, spreading
branches that even a short man could climb and that would support his weight . It is a
49
combination “fig” and “mulberry” tree (Ficus sycamores) indicating the fig tree in the Jordan
Valley that had leaves like our mulberry tree. Its fruit was inferior to the fig tree and had to be
punctured to make the fruit edible. It was often planted along roadways for its shade 50
Conclusion: A sycamore is a tall tree that is planted for shade, but it can support the weight of a
short man.
Question: Initial proposal based on content: What was the outcome?
Context: “And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also
is a son of Abraham” .
51
44 Luke 19: 3, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
45 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
46 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
47 Luke 19:4 [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
48 Luke 19:4, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
49 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
50 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
51 Luke 19:9, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
Comparison: “Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too,
is a son of Abraham” .
52
Consultation: Zacchaeus had become a son of Abraham and gained salvation through faith in
Jesus Christ .
53
Conclusion: Because of Zacchaeus faithfulness and willingness, he was blessed and saved.
C. Where? (The Geography and location)
Description: Are there places in the passage that need to be identified in geographic placement?
Can anything be learned from the location of the events? Explore these places as they appear in
this passage before considering their significance outside of Luke 19:1-10. You should identify at
least one “where” question.
Question: Initial proposal based on content: Where is the setting of this text?
Context: “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho” .
54
Comparison: “Jesus entered Jericho…” 55
Consultation: Reaching Jericho, Jesus continued his journey up the dangerous hills toward
Jerusalem56. When Jesus was hosted by Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), it was probably in one of
Jericho’s finest houses.
Conclusion: Jericho was a wealthy city, but the poor still lived there. It was a city that was in
route as Jesus traveled to Jerusalem.
D. When? (The Time Factors)
Description: Determine if there is anything critical related to the element of time in this passage.
Are there lesson to be learned based on the timing of the events? How is this presented first in
Luke 19:1-10 and then throughout the Scriptures? You should identify at least one “when”
question.
Question: Initial proposal based on content: Zacchaeus knew that Jesus was going to be
passing through Jericho, is there a principle of timing?
Context: “And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was
little of stature. And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to
pass that way” .
57
52 Luke 19:9, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
53 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
54 Luke 19:1, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
55 Luke 19:1, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
56 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
57 Luke 19:3-4, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
Comparison: “And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he
was little of stature. And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he
was to pass that way” .
58
Consultation:
Conclusion: Jesus was on a mission to save the lost and in order to be saved, sometimes you
must make an initiative to show Jesus how serious you are.
E. Why? (The purpose of this passage)
Description: The purpose question is two-sided: there is the need that caused the revelation to be
given, and there is the author’s message that addressed that need. Here you are drawing
conclusion based on all that you have studied. Examine your work in observation and this
interpretation exercise; what do you believe is the need of the passage and then what is Jesus’s
message and how does it address that need?
58 Luke 19:3-4, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
The Need:
Sinners need to know that there is hope for their soul. This text shows that God can save you
regardless of the sin committed or the perception that others have about you.
The Message:
Luke 19:1-10 is an interesting story that is not mentioned in the other Gospel’s. The
background story is Jesus is traveling to Jerusalem, but in order to get to Jerusalem, Jesus must
go through Jericho. Unaware of what or who is waiting for Jesus, there was one specific person
from Jericho that had a desire to see Jesus. We are introduced to Zacchaeus, whose name means
“innocent” but his reputation around Jericho says that Zacchaeus is guilty. Zacchaeus worked as
the chief tax collector for the Roman government's tax office. Zacchaeus accumulated his wealth
by overcharging the Jewish people and taking a cut from the taxes gathered by other tax
collectors whose work he administered. All while the Jews greatly resented tax collectors
because they worked for the Roman government that had invaded Israel, turning Israel into a
subject nation.
Not only was Zacchaeus disliked, he was also short. Zacchaeus height prevented him from
being able to see Jesus pass through the city, so he thought it would be smart to climb a tree and
watch from above. Zacchaeus did not climb any tree, but he climbed a sycamore tree that can
grow to be 30-40 feet tall with branches strong enough to support a man’s weight. Sycamore
trees are not simply known for their height and strength, but additionally sycamore trees can
produce figs or edible fruit. The significance of a fruit bearing trees is that fruit means food and
food is a key source for surviving. However, Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the
gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that
does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of
the word I have spoken to you” . Zacchaeus knew Jesus was coming in his direction and he
59
knew that he needed to be cleansed spiritually because he was branch that was ready to be cut
off. However, climbing on a branch of a tree that bears fruit and being acknowledged by Jesus
increased Zacchaeus faith. For Zacchaeus wealth could not provide the one thing he wanted
more than anything else .
60
When the people saw Jesus talking to Zacchaeus, they began to talk about Zacchaeus. The
scriptures did not mention anyone coming to Zacchaeus defense, but they loudly called him a
sinner. Jesus could have turned his nose, kept going, or anything, but instead, Jesus told
Zacchaeus to come out of the tree because Jesus was going to stay at his home. Zacchaeus had to
be shocked and happy at the same time. Jesus wanted to be in the presence of a sinner, but this
same sinner wanted Jesus in his presence just the same. Thus, Jesus' decision to stay overnight
with such a sinful man as Zacchaeus, who had sold out and mistreated his own people, seemed
outrageous . After meeting Jesus, the tax collector/traitor was no longer the same man.
61
Zacchaeus confessed and made his wrongs right in front of Jesus. He said that he would take half
of what he owned and give it to the poor on top of finding the people he had overcharged on their
tax bill and refund four times as much as he had cheated them. Jesus showed ultimate acceptance
59 John 15:2, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
60 [ CITATION But12 \l 1033 ]
61 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
of the tax collector/traitor turned repentant sinner. Salvation had come to Zacchaeus and to his
house. Zacchaeus had become a son of Abraham and gained salvation through faith in Jesus
Christ .
62
Application
Chapter 10 Questions
Instructions: Using the instructions in this chapter as a guide, develop application principles
from Luke 19:1-10 based on your work in the previous chapters.
1. Identify the Universal Truth:
What universal truth is God communicating in this passage?
62 [ CITATION Lut10 \l 1033 ]
The universal truth that God communicating in this passage is to acknowledge your
wrong, make them right, and God will not only bless you, but he will save you to give
you eternal life.
Sometimes you must go the extra mile to get God’s attention.
2. Identify Specific Points of Application:
How do I apply this universal truth to the four relationships of life? Your answer here should
begin with one of the items listed under the four various relationships addressed in Chapter 10.
Be sure that your explanation is both detailed and specific.
A. Relationship with _God__________________:
A __challenge_____________________ to _____heed________________________.
Explain: Zacchaeus was prominent, but he knew that his wealth would not get him into heaven.
Sometimes our lifestyles overtake us, and we forget about God. However, we must challenge
ourselves to “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” .
63
B. Relationship with __myself_________________:
A(n) _standard____________________ to _____uphold________________________.
Explain: People are going to talk about you whether it is good or bad. Sometimes the bad is true
and we must change our bad habits publicly. We may not recognize what is being said, but we
must still listen. Christians have a standard to uphold and one of those standards is changing for
the good of the kingdom.
C. Relationship with ___society________________:
A(n) _service____________________ to ___do__________________________.
Explain: Society has grown out of corrective criticism and developed into this norm that no one
can tell anybody anything. I believe the God is still the reason for the season and it is my service
to remind people of the good news. People must remember that service is not just an action, but
it is also an attitude and today, we need an attitude of gratitude.
63 Romans 12:2, [ CITATION KJV20 \l 1033 ]
D. Relationship with ___church________________:
A(n) __witness___________________ to ___share__________________________.
Explain: Zacchaeus was only mentioned by Luke. It is uncertain why Mark, Matthew, or John
did not mention him, but this makes Zacchaeus more significant. Zacchaeus is a witness that
change can happen. He is a witness that even sinners can be forgiven. Zacchaeus is a witness that
Jesus can single handedly find you in a crowd and bring your darkness to light. Zacchaeus is a
witness to share with church.
3. Identify A Verse for Contemplation:
What verse from Luke 19:1-10 should be my focus of meditation and memorization? Explain. Be
detailed and specific.
Verse 9 should be the focus of meditation and memorization. Verse 9 states, “Jesus said to
him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham” .
64
Today is an immediate word. It means that within this 24-hour period or by this time tomorrow, I
would have received my reward from Jesus. Salvation is the rescue from danger, harm, or even
death of an individual, group, or nation; it is the renewing of the spirit . This means to me that,
65
today I am being rescued so that I can live another day. The second part of the scripture is a
declaration and reminder that I am blessed like no other. Abraham was the father and to be
considered his son means that I will inherit everything that my father has, and my children will
inherit everything that I have.
4. Identify How You Will Practice What You Have Learned:
What will you do this week to apply these principles to your life? Based on your study of Luke
19:1-10, write five concrete actions or attitudes you can work on this week. These actions or
attitudes need to be specific to this passage and should not be so general that they fit with any
number of Bible passages. Avoid generality like “I will pray more” or “I will study the Bible for
½ hour every day this week.” These five concrete actions or attitudes you will work on this week
need to have an obvious connection to Luke 19:1-10.
1. I will ask others if they are classified as sinners and if so, what is their plan to change the
perception of others.
64 Luke 19:9, [ CITATION NIV20 \l 1033 ]
65 [ CITATION Bra12 \l 1033 ]
2. I want to seek God in unordinary places—I find my car to be my secret closet, but I want to
find another spot or location.
3. I want to change myself—I want to do a change that God will see, and others will recognize.
4. I want to welcome Jesus into my home. Prayer is typical for my household, but I want to Jesus
to dine with me on the good and the bad days.
5. I want to stand up and openly repent my sins.
Works Cited
Brand, C., C. Draper, and A. England. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. Nashville: B&H
Publishing Group., 2012.
Butler, T., and M. Anders. Holman New Testament Commentary: Luke. Nashville: Broadman &
Holman Publishers , 2012.
Dockery, David S. Concise Bible Commentary. B&H Publishing Group, 2010.
Holman, Broadman &. Holman Bible Publishers , 2014.Holman Illustrated Bible Handbook .
KJV. King James Version, 2020.The Holy Bible.
Luter, A. HCSB Study Bible: God's Word for Life. Dallas: Holman Bible Publishers , 2010.
NIV. New International Version , 2020.The Holy Bible.
