Luke 19:1-10

Lk. here inserts an incident and a parable between Mark 10:52 and Matthew 11:1.

Luke 19:1. Jesus and Zacchæ us (Lk. only). The incident is akin to that of Levi, Luke 5:27. The tree which Zacchæ us used was a fig-mulberry, one with a short trunk and horizontal branches. Jesus, seeing him there, probably asked the bystanders who he was, and at once sees a way of redeeming an outcast. He asks hospitality of him, and enjoys it, to the vexation of all, not simply of Scribes and Pharisees. The tax-gatherer is pricked in his heart, regards his wealth as the product of injustice, and makes the restitution demanded in the Law, e.g. Exodus 22:1, as well as a promise to distribute half his property in charity.

Luke 19:9. unto him: possibly of him. It is a nice question whether Zacchæ us represents the Gentile world, now admitted to the household of Israel, or whether Jesus means that his offensive occupation had not cancelled his Jewish birthright, especially since his promise of reparation. We may note that Zacchæ us was not called to leave all and follow Jesus.