Are You Talking To Me?

Are You Talking To Me?

The real conflict in the story of Zacchaeus is between the ones who murmur that Jesus is going to be the guest of one who is a sinner and Jesus’ declaration that he is also a son of Abraham. That Zacchaeus received Jesus‘s invitation with joy and immediately made haste and came down from the tree should not surprise anyone who has been paying attention to Luke. We had heard, earlier in Luke, that Jesus’ mission was not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (6:32). Zacchaeus, as a tax collector, would surely fit the bill. That’s why it is critical that we understand Jesus’ words in verses 9 and 10 as being addressed to the ones who are murmuring. The fact that he says that Zacchaeus is “also a son of Abraham” indicates he is addressing Jews, that is, ones who might consider themselves Abraham’s children based on genealogy. And he is presenting Zacchaeus as an example of one who through his behavior proves to be a true son of Abraham. This is precisely according to what John the Baptist had preached to them earlier in Luke: “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham” (3:8).

Notes:
ἵστημι (histémi) - to make stand
πρὸς (pros) - to, towards
Luke 3:8; 6:32
Luke 24:36; John 20:19, 26; 21:4

“Ruff Enuff” performed by MonoNeon and Prince.