[1] And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. [2] And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. [3] And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. [4] And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. [5] And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. [6] And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. [8] And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. [9] And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

This acted parable of Jesus and Zacchaeus follows the story of Jesus and the rich ruler. There are many similarities and contrasts between the two men. The rich ruler was well respected while Zacchaeus was despised. Both men were rich. Both wanted to see Jesus. Both were Jews or “sons of Abraham.” Both were given an opportunity to “see Jesus.” Both were given an opportunity to obtain salvation or eternal life.
The rich ruler was invited by Jesus to “sell all” and give it to the poor and come and follow him or be His disciple. He refused to “sell all” and went away “sorrowful.” Zacchaeus volunteered to “sell half” of his goods and give it to the poor and he received Jesus “joyfully.” The rich ruler had lived a life of outward obedience to God, but had not surrendered his heart to God. Zacchaeus had lived a life of outward disobedience to God, but did surrender his heart to god.
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus and to discover “who he was.” People blocked his view of Jesus, but Zacchaeus did not let people stop him from getting to see and know who Jesus was. He left “the crowd” and stood out from them by physically climbing as high as he could to see Jesus, and Jesus took note of him. This acted parable of Zacchaeus, physically doing “his best” to see Jesus, represents all those who are doing “their best” spiritually to see Jesus and they will be rewarded with the presence of Jesus just as Zacchaeus was.