Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, and he was rich (Luke 19:2). He wanted to see who Jesus was, but the crowd was in the way, so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree. Jesus stopped beneath it, looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house” (Luke 19:5). The crowd complained: “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner” (Luke 19:7). Jesus went to his house anyway.
What happened next is a beautiful picture of real change. Zacchaeus did not argue, defend himself or explain. He stood and said, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” Jesus' welcome came first, and Zacchaeus' repentance followed. And Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house.”
There is a lesson here for every relationship. When Jesus comes into a heart, He does not leave our dealings with other people untouched. Zacchaeus began to make things right with those he had wronged. His faith led to honesty, to generosity, and to putting right what could be put right.
Jesus teaches the same thing elsewhere: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23–24). And Paul writes, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Notice the honest words “as much as depends on you.” We are responsible for our part, even where we cannot control the response.
For married couples, this is a challenge and an encouragement. Is there something in your marriage that needs to be put right? It might be a broken promise, a harsh word you never apologised for, a matter of money you have not been open about, or a hurt you have avoided talking about. Zacchaeus shows us that the Lord's presence in a home leads to honesty and repair, and that repair can be specific. He did not say, “I am sorry for everything.” He named what he had taken and said how he would restore it.
For those who are single or preparing for marriage, it is wise to clear the ground before you build. Put right old debts, old quarrels and old dishonesty, so that you do not carry them into a future home. For those with family strains, take whatever step is yours to take.
A word of care: making peace does not mean putting yourself back into danger. If you are afraid for your safety, call 999, and seek appropriate help.
Joshua's declaration is a good one for every household: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). May Jesus be welcome in your home today, and may salvation, peace and restored relationships follow.