“He sought to see Jesus who he was.” It may have been curiosity, but there was a certain eagerness in his desire. He possibly had heard of the great Prophet who was so kind in his treatment of publicans and sinners. However, he could not see Jesus “for the crowd, because he was little of stature.” Obstacles often arise in the way of those whose attention is first turned toward Christ. If, however, they are earnest in their desire, they are certain to learn more of him. The earnestness of Zacchæus was shown as “he ran on before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him.” There was something undignified in the action of this little man of wealth, but his eagerness received an unexpected reward, for “When Jesus came to the place he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.” This is the only time so far as we know that Jesus invited himself to be a guest, but we are certain that he is ever ready to abide with those whose hearts are open to receive him. It has been said that Zacchæus was converted before he had reached the ground. There can be no doubt that a great change came into his heart as he realized how fully Jesus knew him and anticipated what the Saviour could do for him; and his faith and hope were manifest at once. “He made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.” What did the crowd say? Exactly what the world always says when a man is turning to Christ and seeking to begin a new life. Men always call to mind the dark past from which the rescued man is turning. “They all murmured, saying, He is gone in to lodge with a man that is a sinner.” What did Zacchæus say? What every man says who has found the grace which Christ bestows and who realizes that a new life can begin only with repentance and resolution. “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.” Thus he determined, as a Christian, to do far more than was required by the Jewish Law; that Law required a tenth; Zacchæus promised that half of all his income would be used in the service of the Lord. “And if I have wrongfully exacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold.” There can be little doubt that any publican would find large opportunities for such restoration; and nothing more definitely indicates true repentance than the desire to make amends for the past. What did Jesus say? This is most important of all, “To-day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” By his faith the publican of Jericho showed himself to be a true son of Abraham, the “father of the faithful.” His trust in Christ secured for him that salvation which is offered to all, even to the lowest and most hopeless and despised. “For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.” 10. The Parable of the Pounds. Ch. 19:11-28