What does Luke 19:7 mean?
Jesus is traveling through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem, to eventually face the cross. He notices a small man in a sycamore tree on the side of the road (Luke 19:1–5). Whether through divine inspiration or the man's own notoriety, Jesus knows this is Zacchaeus, a rich chief tax collector.Jews in this time despised tax collectors, perhaps especially those who were also Jewish. It was bad enough when Jews collected money from their fellow Israelites—including a fee for themselves—on behalf of the hated Romans. Zacchaeus is worse. He's the man who contracts out those local tax collectors. He made a bid, promising to collect more revenue for the Roman government than the other bidders. And he adds his own commission onto what his contractors must collect. Not only does he use the authority of the Roman government to make himself rich at the expense of his countrymen, but that role means he interacts with Gentiles, making him ceremonially unclean.
When Jesus calls Zacchaeus out of the tree and demands to stay with him (Luke 19:5–6), the crowd is watching and they're horrified. Jesus claims to be a teacher of God. His miracles and His teaching have made the crowd think He's their champion against the hardships and injustices in their difficult lives. How could He betray them by dining with someone they believe is so clearly far from God and who makes their lives more difficult?
They should know Jesus has a soft spot for tax collectors. One of His first disciples, Levi (Matthew), used to be one. Jesus met many of Levi's friends, despite the Pharisees' warnings (Luke 5:27–30). Jesus clearly explained His goal, saying, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:31).
Not long before, the crowd tried to keep a blind beggar from Jesus' attention. When Jesus called to him, anyway, and healed him, the crowd rejoiced, giving praise to God (Luke 18:35–43). It doesn't appear they have the same grace towards Zacchaeus when "salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9).
