Thirdmill Study Bible

Notes on Luke 19:4-27

Luke 19:4

ran . . . climbed. Unusual actions for a man in ancient Israel. Zacchaeus abandoned dignity and decorum in order to know who Jesus was. He was driven by more than curiosity (v. 9). sycamore tree. Similar to an oak tree, it had a short trunk and wide branches. This made it easy to climb.

Luke 19:5

Jesus knew Zacchaeus and took the initiative to enter into a relationship with him. This was evidence that Jesus came to seek and save sinners (v. 10). must stay. The only time we see Jesus invite himself to a person's house. Such action was as rare as Zacchaeus' running and climbing in that culture. Yet, his word must indicated his stay was part of God's sovereign plan (v. 9; see 2:49; 9:22; 15:32).

Luke 19:6

Zacchaeus wasn't put off by Jesus's self-invitation (v. 5). Just the opposite, he was delighted that Jesus would stay with him.

Luke 19:7

A common criticism against Jesus (5:30; 7:39; 15:1-2).

Luke 19:8

Being with Jesus has brought salvation (v. 9) and the changed life that flows from believing the gospel (3:8; see Tit. 2:11-14). half. Zacchaeus went from selfish acts of greed to righteous displays of generosity and sacrifice (see note on 3:21). four times. He also sought to make restitution for his previous over-collection of taxes. The amount of repayment is based on the Old Testament law (see Exod. 22:1; 2 Sam. 12:6). See WCF 15.5; WLC 141, 145.

Luke 19:9

Luke passed over the dinner conversation between Zacchaeus and Jesus. But he records the results — repentance and faith. salvation. To be rescued from the power and penalty of sin. It is a summary word for all that God does for his people in Christ. Through his saving work, God brings them into his kingdom and gives them eternal life (see notes on 18:24-30; John 3:1-18; Rom. 3:21-26). Zacchaeus believed Jesus and was saved from his sins by grace through faith. son of Abraham. Not just a person of physical descent. Zacchaeus exercised faith in God's promises like Abraham (Rom. 4:1-3, 16). This brought salvation and made him a true, spiritual descendent (Gal. 3:7; see notes on 3:8; 13:16).

Luke 19:10

Zacchaeus's transformation was an example of why Jesus came into the world. Son of Man. See note on 5:22-24. save . . . lost. A metaphor for those who are rescued from their sins (15:24; Matt. 10:6; 15:24; see notes on 5:32; 19:9).

The One Who Saves is the One Who Will Judge - Luke 19:11-27

Jesus taught about his impending death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. Though he would be gone from his disciples, he would be reigning as king and expected them to serve faithfully while he was gone. Jesus used the experience of Herod's son, Archelaus as the basis for his parable. After Herod died, Archelaus travelled to Rome to seek the right to rule over his father's kingdom. However, the people of that kingdom sent messengers to persuade Rome that Archelaus was a wicked man who was unfit to rule. This happened about thirty years before Jesus's began his ministry.

Luke 19:11

The following parable comes in response to those who saw Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus. The parable was given to correct misunderstandings about God's kingdom. On the one hand, the kingdom was already present in Jesus (10:9; 11:20; 16:16; 17:20-21). Yet, there was also a fullness to the kingdom's presence that was yet to come (22:29-30; 24:44-49). kingdom of God. God's saving reign (see note on 4:43).

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