There is no mention in the text that Zacchaeus had any need of seeing Jesus; no ailments, no life-searching questions, and no apparent personal need to become a follower. I wondered whether Zacchaeus actually just wanted to be nosey and have a good old gander at the new celebrity in town. Jesus was famous, caused a stir wherever he went, and drew the inevitable crowd. So, in response to the large and noisy crowd, the small and nosey tax collector wanted to see what the fuss was about. And being somewhat used to having to fend for himself due to being short and disliked, was not beyond climbing the nearest available tree to achieve what he wanted. He wanted to see Jesus.
Zacchaeus was probably as surprised as the rest of the crowd when Jesus called him by name and announced in clear and simple terms that he would be availing himself of Zacchaeus’ hospitality for the day. Well there’s a turn-up for the books. Now the hated little man was the centre of attention and mixing it with the famous celebrity. Now he was being noticed for reasons different to the usual; no curses, no threats, no pained looks from broken-hearted, bankrupted families. Here was someone who wanted to be with him, to share his food, to talk and listen. And do it all in his own home. Little wonder that he welcomed Jesus gladly. And little wonder that the people couldn’t believe it – Jesus the holy celebrity inviting himself to the house of a filthy sinner.
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