Here then, as through a glass, we may see
the doctrine of free grace evidently exemplified before us. Here was not
fitness in Zaccheus. He was a Publican, chief among the Publicans; not only so,
but rich, and came to see Christ only out of curiosity: but sovereign grace
triumphs over all. And if we do God justice, and are effectually wrought upon,
we must acknowledge there was no more fitness in us than in Zaccheus; and, had
not Christ prevented us by his call, we had remained dead in trespasses and
sins, and alienated from the divine life, even as others. “Jesus looked up, and
saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste and come down; for this day I
must abide at thy house.”
With what different emotions of heart may
we suppose Zaccheus received this invitation? Think you not that he was
surprised to hear Jesus Christ call him by name, and not only so, but invite
himself to his house? Surely, thinks Zaccheus, I dream: it cannot be; how
should he know me? I never saw him before: besides, I shall undergo much
contempt, if I receive him under my rood. Thus, I say, we may suppose Zaccheus
thought within himself. But what saith the scripture? “I will make a willing
people in the day of my power.” With this outward call, there went an
efficacious power from God, which sweetly over-ruled his natural will: and
therefore, verse 6,
“He made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully;” not only into his
house, but also into his heart.
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