ZACCHEUS, COME DOWN by H. A. St. John

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1893

ZACCHEUS, COME DOWN.

By H. A. St. John

BY ELDER H. A. ST. JOHN.

ZACCHEUS was a rich tax collector who lived near Jericho in the days of Christ. That he was a Jew is indicated both by his name and the fact that Jesus calls him a son of Abraham. As Jesus was passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem the last time before his passion, Zaccheus was seized with an ardent desire to see him. Obviously it was simply curiosity that actuated him, for we do not learn that he had any requests to make, nor did he even intend to make himself known to Jesus.

Being small of stature, his ingenuity suggested that the best way to get a good view of the strange prophet would be for him to climb a tree by the wayside. We can almost see him now quickly scaling a sycamore tree and seating himself on a low bough projecting over the roadside, anxiously awaiting the coming throng that tread upon the footsteps of Jesus. Secluded among the foliage, Zaccheus no doubt imagines that he will have a superb view of the Prophet of Nazareth and perhaps not be observed by anyone. With almost breathless silence he waits, but he does not wait long. He hears the slow, measured tread of the multitude, and sees the mighty throng approaching. He has not made a mistake in the situation selected, for they will pass under the tree. As the multitude come nearer, Zaccheus is able very soon to fix his eyes upon the great Teacher, for he is the center of attraction in that vast tide of humanity. Jesus has now come under the sycamore tree, and with absorbing interest Zaccheus gazes upon him. But imagine his delight when Jesus stops right there, thus enabling him to get a longer view.

But this is not all. Jesus looks up, and sees the little man of wealth perched among the branches of the tree over his head. Zaccheus is almost discomfited by this searching gaze, and greater still is his astonishment when Jesus speaks, and with thrilling distinctness calls, "Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house." Luke 19 : 5. What a stirring utterance! Never had Zaccheus listened to such a command as that. The very first word of this command revealed the prophet. No word in the native tongue was more familiar to this little man than his own name, for he had heard it from babyhood, with all varieties of tones and kinds of emphasis, and yet when Jesus said, "Zaccheus," we conceive that the sound of his own name produced a vibration of every chord in his being. And as he hastily descended from the tree, it was obviously with the conviction fastened upon his soul that Jesus was indeed a holy prophet, "for he knows I have got a house, yea, he even knows my name."

Zaccheus gladly led the way of his self-introduced and self-invited Guest to his house, and it proved to be the beginning of a new era in his life. He became a changed man, a son of Abraham indeed. He not only welcomed Jesus to his house, but also to his heart. He was converted, pocketbook and all. When a soul is truly converted to Jesus by Jesus, that conversion includes the entire person and all that pertains to the person. It was indeed a happy day for Zaccheus when Jesus came to abide with him. But a like happy day has come to many a sinner, both rich and poor, since.

Every sinner is called by name, as was Zaccheus. When they listen and hear the call, they will hear the sweet voice of Jesus saying, "Make haste and come down." Come down from your lofty pride and self-sufficiency. Come down from the dizzy and dangerous heights of sin, selfishness, and self-importance. Come down into the valley of humiliation and repentance, and there you will find Jesus, without whom you are nothing and can do nothing. Let all who are lifted up in their own estimation, who are puffed up in sin, self-conceit, and Satan, come down from that delusive elevation to the meek and lowly Jesus, and then they may, with Jesus as a constant, abiding Friend, Comforter, Teacher, Companion, Protector, and Guide, at once begin to ascend upon a safe and shining pathway, which will end only in the perfection of purity and bliss in a land of immortal and perpetual delight.

Sinner, to Jesus come down while you may; To you he is calling; make no delay. He never again may pass that way. If a welcome guest, he will always stay, And guide you safe through to an endless day.