Zacchaeus’ Financial Testimony with Dr. Kelly Rush

Jan 30, 2025

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What financial lessons can we learn from a tax collector who climbed a tree? Stay tuned and find out.

Of course, you know I’m talking about Zacchaeus in Luke 19. That story is filled with important teachings about money, stewardship, and generosity. Dr. Kelly Rush joins us today with some interesting observations about the life of Zacchaeus.

Dr. Kelly Rush is a Professor of Finance, Department Chair, and Financial Planning Program Coordinator at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio.

The Cultural and Financial Context of Zacchaeus

In first-century Israel, political, social, and religious divides were as prevalent as they are today. Labels like Pharisee, Sadducee, and zealot carried heavy connotations, just as terms like Democrat or Republican do in our culture. Among the most despised figures in Jewish society were the tax collectors, or publicans, who collected tribute for the oppressive Roman Empire.

A publican acted as a financial middleman, collecting various taxes such as road tolls, harbor dues, and purchase levies. Chief publicans, like Zacchaeus, oversaw entire regions and often amassed great wealth by overcharging and exploiting their fellow Jews. Essentially, publicans were seen as greedy traitors who profited from an unjust economic system—what we would call white-collar criminals today.

Zacchaeus' position as chief publican meant he was not just a participant but a leader in this corrupt system. However, his story took a radical turn when he encountered Jesus.

A Life-Changing Encounter with Jesus

In Luke 19, Jesus is passing through Jericho, heading to Jerusalem for Passover. Despite being days away from His crucifixion, Jesus takes the time to walk through the town, looking for Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus, unable to see over the crowd because of his short stature, humbles himself by climbing a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. In a moment of divine grace, Jesus stops, looks up, and calls Zacchaeus by name, inviting Himself to his house. This moment showcases a beautiful truth: while Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus, Jesus was already seeking him.

The turning point in Zacchaeus' story comes when he joyfully receives Jesus and declares his willingness to make restitution:

He pledges to give half of his possessions to the poor.
He commits to repaying anyone he has cheated four times the amount—going far beyond the Old Testament requirement of returning stolen goods plus 20% (Leviticus 6).

This response highlights a powerful principle: true financial transformation begins with a changed heart. Zacchaeus' generosity wasn't an attempt to earn salvation, but a response to the salvation he had already received.

Lessons from Zacchaeus' Financial Testimony

Jesus Seeks the Lost, No Matter Their Financial Past

Zacchaeus' reputation was well known, yet Jesus didn't shy away from him. Instead of condemnation, Jesus offered restoration. No financial mistake is too great for God to redeem.
Repentance Leads to Action

Zacchaeus' turnaround was immediate and public. He didn't just feel remorse; he acted decisively to make things right. This challenges us to evaluate our own finances and take bold steps toward integrity and generosity.
Money Reflects the Heart

How we handle our finances reflects what’s happening inside of us. Zacchaeus' newfound generosity was evidence of his transformed heart.
Salvation Precedes Stewardship

Jesus declared, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9), showing that salvation is a free gift, not a reward for financial generosity. Stewardship is simply our response to God’s grace.

Many people struggle with shame over their financial decisions, preferring to keep them hidden from God and others. Zacchaeus, however, openly acknowledged his financial failures and took steps to correct them. His story reminds us that God’s grace covers our past, and He calls us into a new future of faithful stewardship.

Zacchaeus' story ends with a bold proclamation: "Look, Lord, here and now I give!" His financial testimony stands as a powerful example of what happens when we allow Jesus to transform not just our hearts, but our wallets as well.

Let Zacchaeus' example inspire you to take an honest look at your finances, surrender them to God, and trust Him to guide you in stewardship that honors Him.

Faithful Steward: FaithFi’s New Quarterly Magazine

You can read Dr. Kelly Rush’s full article on Zacchaeus in our new quarterly magazine, Faithful Steward. Get your copy delivered to your mailbox every quarter by becoming a FaithFi partner with a monthly gift of $35 or more or an annual contribution of $400 or more. Find out more at FaithFi.com/give.

On Today’s Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:

I need to build up my credit score. I'm trying to figure out the best way to do that. I have about $4,000 in credit card debt, and I just had a car accident where my car is not drivable, so I need to buy a new car. I do have a job. What's the best first thing I should do?

Resources Mentioned:

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