Luke 19:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider the implications of this action. It is not to be understood that Christ's message was imposed upon Zacchaeus, for the word of God influenced him without coercion. Rather, the word of God can be likened to a hunter, as the blessed Zacharias illustrates: ‘A vision was revealed unto me by the Lord God: behold a basket of ripe fruit. And He said, I will not pass by My people till I have caught them’ (not Zechariah, but Am. 8:1-2). This reflects the profound truth that the word of God acts as a net, weaving together souls through love. Just as this net cannot release the catch from the hunter's grasp, so too are those who have entered into communion with the Savior secure in His embrace.

Zacchaeus did not falter, for he understood he could not withdraw when Jesus commanded him. Instead, he descended and welcomed it with joy.

The individual welcomed Jesus with great joy, marking the start of his transformation towards righteousness, as he turned away from past mistakes and bravely pursued a more virtuous path.

Rejoicing not only because he beheld Him, which was his desire, but also because He summoned him and he embraced Him, which had been unforeseen.

He climbed the tree as a tax collector and descended from it as one who fears God. He came down to the earth in order to ascend through the cross to heaven. He scaled the tree, concealing himself from others, and then ascended the cross, becoming a source of delight to angels. The Word about Zacchaeus

If, prior to encountering Christ, he had eagerly sought to see Him and had taken all measures to attain that goal, then surely, after witnessing and hearing Him firsthand, and having received such a gracious promise, he would have acted with urgency and commitment. Consequently, upon recognizing that the promise extended to him by the Savior was indeed realized, he was filled with joy, uniting with the Beloved and, in turn, becoming a vessel of abundant graces.

The Prophet Isaiah declared regarding Jesus Christ, “The flax that smokes shall not be quenched” (Is. 42:3). Similarly, Solomon remarked, ‘foreknowledge’ (wisdom) ‘to them that desire foreknowledge’ (Prem. 6:13). This prophecy is realized in the Lord Jesus! The God-Man did not extinguish the fiery faith of Zacchaeus; instead, He knew him even before Zacchaeus recognized Him. When He arrived at the location of the fig tree where Zacchaeus had climbed, He looked up, saw him, and addressed him, saying, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” Zacchaeus was eager, for he longed for salvation. Upon hearing this, he was filled with immense joy, did not hesitate to exclaim, and welcomed the blessed Lord Jesus.

In a remarkable display of His humility, during His time in the same city, Jesus revealed Himself to Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector who was regarded by the townspeople as a sinner. The Lord intentionally called out to him while he was perched in a fig tree, observing the Messiah as He passed by, inviting him to His home. Overjoyed by this grace, Zacchaeus declared his intention to give half of his wealth to the needy and repay anyone he had wronged fourfold. This act was clear justification for the Lord’s choice to honor the residence of this tax collector. The Lord proclaimed, 'Now is salvation come to this house.' And why wouldn’t it? Is not Zacchaeus a descendant of Abraham, and was he not deemed unworthy due to his compassion for the poor? This exemplifies the purpose of the Son of Man, who came to seek and to save that which was lost, reaching out to Zacchaeus in the fig tree and imparting salvation to him in his abode.

Zacchaeus held the position of chief tax collector in Jericho, which made him quite wealthy, as this role allowed individuals to take advantage of the populace by demanding more than what was due to the Roman authorities. However, a significant moral transformation was occurring within Zacchaeus. When he learned that Jesus of Nazareth was arriving in Jericho—a man he had heard many wondrous things about and whom he hoped to be the Messiah—Zacchaeus was filled with anticipation to see Him. Although he was shunned by many for being a chief tax collector and was regarded as a sinner and oppressor, he never imagined that the Lord would take the time to speak with him. To his astonishment, he received news that Jesus intended to visit him.

As Jesus drew near to the fig tree, he noticed Zacchaeus perched upon it. He paused and called out, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your home today.” Zacchaeus, a tax collector loathed by the Jews despite being one of them, could hardly believe that he would receive such a favor and joy of having the Prophet of Galilee in his dwelling. Filled with elation, he quickly descended from the tree and accompanied Jesus to his house.

As Christ approached, Zacchaeus caught sight of Him and was filled with joy. One can only imagine the immense happiness that surged within him when the esteemed prophet and recognized Messiah of His people paused beneath the tree, looked up, and called him by name, inviting him to descend because He wished to visit his home. Zacchaeus was given the opportunity not only to behold Him but also to host Him, share a meal, and provide Him shelter for the night—the despised tax collector was honored to welcome the glorious Messiah as his guest. Filled with delight, Zacchaeus swiftly climbed down from the tree and welcomed the esteemed visitor into his home.

"Welcomed him with delight": that such an extraordinary miracle worker was so kind to one regarded as a significant transgressor.

The All-Knowing One was aware of Zacchaeus's struggles, perceiving the state of his spirit, and He did not disregard the passionate eagerness with which the tax collector sought after Him. When Jesus Christ approached the fig tree, He gazed at Zacchaeus with compassion and affection, saying, “Zacchaeus, let us pray for tears, for today it is fitting for Me to be in your house.” At this gracious invitation, where the Good Shepherd came to embrace the lost sheep, the heart of the repentant sinner was overwhelmed with joy. Not long before, Zacchaeus had yearned to see the great Miracle Worker, hesitant even to consider speaking with Him; now he could not only behold Him but welcome Him into his home, share a meal, and converse freely, pouring out his heart before Him.