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Book of Luke - Chapter 19 - Verse 5

19:5
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

Meaning

When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus in the city of Jericho, it was a significant moment in the Gospel of Luke. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, known for his wealth and reputation as a sinner. Despite this, Jesus chose to show him grace and acceptance by inviting himself to Zacchaeus' house. This act of reaching out to someone who was marginalized in society demonstrated Jesus' unconditional love and desire to bring salvation to all people, regardless of their past. By choosing to spend time with Zacchaeus, Jesus exemplified the importance of showing compassion and forgiveness to those who may have strayed from the path of righteousness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' mission on earth - to seek and save the lost, and to bring hope and redemption to all who are willing to receive it.

Theological Overview

When Jesus encountered Zacchaeus, a tax collector, He invited Himself to his house, declaring that He must stay with him that day. This act of Jesus was significant because tax collectors were viewed as sinful and dishonest in the Bible. By choosing to spend time with Zacchaeus, Jesus showed His love and willingness to reach out to even the most despised members of society. The name Zacchaeus means "pure" or "innocent," and through his encounter with Jesus, Zacchaeus experienced a transformation from a corrupt tax collector to a repentant follower of Christ. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, emphasizing His mercy and grace towards all individuals, regardless of their past actions or reputation. This story serves as a powerful reminder of God's unconditional love and His desire for all people to come to repentance and experience salvation.

American Standard Version

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house.
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