Zacchaeus and the True Sons of Abraham

Jesus is approaching Jerusalem and about to enter the city riding on a donkey’s colt as King of Israel (19:28), but one more stop along the way and one more parable to be told before he reaches his destination. Jesus goes once more into the home of a sinner. This sinner’s name is Zacchaeus and he receives and enters the Kingdom by faith in Jesus Christ (cf. 15:2). Because of Zacchaeus’ faith in Jesus he is revealed as a true son of Abraham (19:9). Although it is impossible for the rich to enter the Kingdom (18:24ff), nevertheless, what is impossible with man is possible with God (18:27) - -even for a rich chief tax collector! In light of the reality of Zacchaeus’ faith and repentance, Jesus tells the Parable of the Ten Minas. This parable is about how true Kingdom disciples or true sons of Abraham live as stewards of the Gospel of the Kingdom in the interim period between the first and second coming of Jesus Christ. The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost (18:10).