The National tribune., 1895-03-07


very eSsy to climb. with Its short trunk and its
wide lateral branches forking out In oil dirss-
tions, and would naturally be selected By Gao
cheus as the most accessible position from which
to obtain view OF our Lord ~ he passed"
A lady q. B. b. wrote in Rochester IN. W
Democrat and Chronicle Jan. 10, 1875: e" under
stand now thaving seen such . tree in foreign
trsvsl) why Zaccheus climbed into . sycamore
tree. He was short Of stature. Sycamores
seem to be the easiest trees to climb, the
branches being crooked and growing very low
down."
9. Must" VS.. "As if,n says Luther, che
could not do without Zaccheus, although every
one else despised him as great sinner" VT.
10. Murmursd. z. Reference is made to the
Jews who did not believe in Christ; who looked
him over in mere curiosity; who were making
up their minds as TO what sort OF person he was.
His coming into Jericho had drawn out great
crowd. Remember, Zaccheus was despised by
the Jews in general. We can see how unfavor-
ably they would look on Jesus when he wanted
himself to be on social terms with their hated
taxgatherer.
IL. THE half of my goods I give" v. 8.
Views: /. Zaccheus referred TO the future, and
pointed to reform. So hold Grotus, Wettstein,
Campbell, Whitby, Patrick, Scott. Kitto. Barnes,
Bengel, Jameson & Co. 2. Zaccheus meant to
state what he had practced. Bloomfield,
Euthymiu s Theophy iGct Water.
The crowd had charged Xaccheus with being
sinner" term which, applied to a publican,
could be taken In the sense of extortioner.
Zaccheus was of opinion his guest did not know
him, and so he tried to defend himself against
defamation.
IL. False accusation. v. g. The Revised
Version gives the correct idea-"H / have
wrongfnlly exacted aught." The sin to which
publcans were especially exposed was extor-
ton. They were the more in favor with tho
Roman Government as they made larger reve-
nue. returns. If persons declined to pay the
taxes the publicans made charges against them
before the Roman authorities. Indeed, they
were allowed the aid of military force, If nee
essary. in collecting the taxes
Is. "Foarfold." v. 8. Compare Nu, B: 8,
z; Ex., %: 1, 4: Sam, IL: ID; SAM. IL: 8.
Zsccheus proposed to go way beyond the re-
quirement Of the Law. The law demanded in
tho case of voluntary restitution the return of
the original valne. plus one-ffth. The Roman
law required that publican must restore four
fold whom IL was proved he had abused bis
power.
II. Salvation. v. Q. The opportunity Of
being saved. The Savior was present in per-
son. There had been Suitability all the time
for Zaccheus and his household, but there was
q sort of personality that day about IL, by rea-
son of Christ's bearing it thither in person. Or
we may be able to understand that on that day
Zaccheus awaited himself of salvation.
6. Suggestions.
l. Salvation should be sought not only BE-
cause blessing to you, but to your house, COM
panions, society. etc. V.9.
2 Do not be stopped by ridicule when going
to Christ. W..
g. Look out for besetting sins-those espe-
cially most common in your vocation.
A. Go to homes of persons out of interest for
their souls. VS..
s. If converted and there be occasion. make
restitution. VS.
g. Practice hospitality. v. g; Ro., ~: IS.
T. Overcome all obstacles in the way of going
to Christ. VA.
8. Obey Christ. Come down, IL he command.
Do so joyfulIy and promptly. VS..
g. Notice the office work spiritually Of Curl
osity.
10. In working for Christ do not forget the
ciety. those great in Office Do not allow the
wealthy to become the neglected classes relig-
iOnsiy. Christ was as anxious for Zaccheus or
Dives as for Lazarus.
IL. Christians should help the poor. Love
mercy.
IL. Work for great sinners. Surprise ordi-
nary selfish philosophy by receiving sinners.
making them objects Of concern. Christ came
on purpose to help such. st. Matt, 9: lib.
Christianity is for such. 1t is absurd to ridi-
Guile the Church for doing just what its Founder
intended IL should accomplish. st. Matt,
IL: 10; st. Luke, 1879