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| Archbishop Averky (Tauchev) Explanation of the four Gospels IntraText CT - Text |
The Lord’s visit to the chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, is narrated by Evangelist Luke only. After healing the blind, the Lord Jericho where he was much sought after by the very wealthy former chief tax collector, Zacchaeus — a purely Jewish name meaning “pure” and “just.” Jericho was renowned for its production and trade in balsam, and the responsibilities of the tax collector were especially important — as well as beneficial and lucrative for him. Zacchaeus was chief of all the tax collectors in the area, to whom, apparently, they reported.
The emphasis here is that he was a wealthy man: after all, very few rich individuals followed the poor Galilean Teacher. Being short in stature, Zacchaeus climbed up a sycamore tree to get a better view of the Lord, Who was surrounded by throngs of people. Evidently, knowing Zacchaeus’s good moral disposition in wanting to see the Lord, that it wasn’t just an empty curiosity, the Lord honored his house with His visit.
The great joy over the fact that the Lord did not despise him as a sinner, Zacchaeus’ conscience was completely awakened and effected a complete turnaround in his soul. Acknowledging that his conscience is sullied by the methods used in obtaining his wealth, he loudly gives a solemn promise to erase his sin of covetousness: “I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore four-fold.” (in accordance with the law on thieves, outlined in the Book Exodus 22:1). The Savior responds to this with: “Today salvation has come to this house,” i.e. the house of Zacchaeus. The Lord’s further words were directed at those who were displeased, because “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” However, Zacchaeus too was a “son of Abraham” — not only by flesh, but also especially in spirit. Zacchaeus’ repentance is a model of true penitence, which is not limited to barren regrets of having committed sins, but with endeavors to erase these sins with good deeds in opposition to them. That’s why the Gospel on Zacchaeus is always read before the first preparatory week before Great Lent — the week of the Publican and the Pharisee.