Luke 19:1-2  “…passed through Jericho…a man named Zacchaeus…”
So Zacchaeus either lived in Jericho or in the area between Jericho and Jerusalem.  It says Jesus passed through.  Could go either way.  Verse 11 will mention Him being near Jerusalem, so perhaps they were outside Jericho.  But we get the general area.

3  “…he sought to see who Jesus was…”
Because of what happened, it doesn’t appear that Zacchaeus was just a curious person wanting to see miracles.  I think he had an emptiness in his life and had heard enough about Jesus to think He might have the answers he sought.

5  “…today I must stay at your house”
Appeared to be a chance encounter, but that doesn’t exist with God.  Jesus knew and planned to connect with Zacchaeus.  Assurance for us.  Jesus knows our needs and works them out before we know about them.  We just need to keep our eyes open and trust Him.

7  “…when they saw it, they all complained…”
In this case, probably Pharisees or some other religious leaders.  Have dealt with they before.  They always have something negative to say and are cowards to boot.  They usually stay hidden so you can’t confront their accusations directly, nor can you clear the air if there is a genuine grievance.  Don’t be a they.

8  “…Look, Lord, I give…I restore…”
Definite change in his life which led to action.

9  “…he also is a son of Abraham”
Being a Jew, Zacchaeus was already a descendant of Abraham.  Jesus is referring to the fact that Abraham believed God, exercised faith, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.  Zacchaeus has done the same thing and has truly become a son of Abraham.  So can we.  That’s part of Abraham being the father of many nations.  All who exercise similar faith are sons of Abraham.

11  “…they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately”
We allude to this throughout the text, but here it is declared specifically.  The people wanted the fulfillment of the last part of the Messiah prophecies, the part where He would come and reign as king of the world.  Jesus has been trying to show them only the first part will be fulfilled now.

13-14  “…he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas…his citizens hated him…”
Two threads in this parable.  One is addressed much, the other only a couple of lines.  The faithfulness of the servants and dealing with the enemies.

21  “…austere man…”
Dictionary says severe in manner or appearance, uncompromising, strict, forbidding.  The text says he collected what he didn’t deposit and reaped what he didn’t sow.  He didn’t waste anything, he wanted the most out of everything he had.  Accounted for every last cent.

23  “Why then did you not put my money in the bank…”
The first two mentioned had apparently traded actively with what they were given.  They took the risks upon themselves.  One was more successful, which could mean that the other suffered some loss.  But both were rewarded because they tried.  They did what they were told to do.  The third wouldn’t take the risk himself, but he also wouldn’t even submit what he was given to others to take the risk.  He just hid his in a handkerchief so nothing would happen to it, good or bad.  The master addresses this.  He understood the servant was afraid of him and was too afraid to risk losing the money by active trading, but that shouldn’t have prevented him from taking the easy way out and letting the bank assume the risk.  At least he would have made something.  This is the first time I have seen that twist.  The man’s fear of the master compared with what the master told him he should have done.  Sounded like the same thing as trading, but it was the displacement of the risk.  I don’t think I’ve ever heard that mentioned.

26  “…even what he has will be taken away from him”
The concept could be used when speaking of those who have heard the gospel, but refuse to accept it, but in this case I think it’s addressed to believers pertaining to reward.  Talents, abilities, and opportunities we have down here will be traded for treasures up there.  How we use them now will have a direct effect on what we have there.  If we never use them, once they’re gone up there we’ll have nothing, not the original talent nor any reward for using it.  We need to use what we have or at least try and leave the results to God.  If we are too timid, we then need to find a way of doing something.  If I don’t think I can handle going on a mission trip, the least I can do is support those that do financially and prayerfully.  Like investing.  You may not get the greatest blessing by going, but you will get something by supporting.

27  “…slay them before me”
Tie-up of the other thread.  Sounds like those who reject Christ.  They chose to not be servants to the master so they were killed.  Jesus has done all that needs to be done for anyone to escape Hell.  But there will be some who choose not to accept Him as Lord.  Unfortunately, there will be no place for them except Hell.  It’s not God’s doing, but theirs.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.