To Seek and Save

Recognizable because of the memorable storyline, as well as the catchy sunday school song that rhymes out the plot, the story of Zacchaeus is at the heart of Luke’s gospel: “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” In Zacchaeus we have a tax collector, a rich man, a social outcast (for physical and economic reasons), and one who is, generally speaking, lost. Hated by most because of his role as chief tax collector, and too short to see above the crowd, he finds himself in an awkward and embarrassing situation when he climbs a tree to spot Jesus. Little did he know that Jesus was actually spotting him.

In a common refrain, the crowd is bothered that Jesus is cozying up with sinners like Zacchaeus, unconsciously showing that they can’t see that God’s rescue mission is being accomplished right in front of their eyes. For his part, Zacchaeus has seen what is truly good as he joyfully receives Jesus and openly repents of past sin. Unlike the rich ruler of Luke 18, Zacchaeus has seen that Jesus is the ultimate treasure and money, power, status, comfort, etc. are no longer appealing to him. What we see in Zacchaeus is a combination of all the other figures and types that have been part of Jesus’ parables and encounters. Luke has filled in all the gaps with this story, making sure to show that Jesus has come to save all who are lost. In so doing, we get the clearest picture of what salvation truly looks like.