Lucas 19:3-4

Zaccheus’ curiosity about Jesus was understandable since one of Jesus’ disciples had been a tax collector (Luke 5:27-30). Moreover Jesus had a reputation for associating with people in his profession (Luke 5:29-30; Luke 7:29; Luke 7:34; Luke 15:1). Luke’s reference to his stature prepares the reader for his climbing a tree to see Jesus (Luke 19:4). It is interesting that Zaccheus did some childlike things, namely, running to see Jesus and climbing a tree, unusual activities for an adult government official. Jesus had formerly commended the tax collector in His parable for childlike faith (Luke 18:13). He had also taught the importance of childlike faith (cf. Luke 18:16-17).

"The crowd as physical barrier and Zacchaeus’ strange position up in a tree can serve as spatial symbols of his isolation from his community." [Note: Tannehill, The Narrative . . ., 1:123.]