Luke 19:5-6

Luke 19:5-6

[5] And  when  Jesus  came  to  the place,  he looked up,  him,  and  said  unto  him,  Zacchaeus,  make haste,  and come down;  for  to day  must  abide  at  house.  [6] And  he made haste,  and came down,  and  received  him  joyfully. 

What does Luke 19:5-6 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Jesus initiated a relationship with Zaccheus. Since he called him by name He evidently knew about him, though Zaccheus had obviously not seen Jesus formerly. Jesus not only wanted to talk with him but to stay in his house. Jesus spoke as though He felt compelled to do this, as is clear from the recurrence of one of Luke"s favorite words, "must" (Gr. dei, cf. Luke 4:43; et al.). "Today" further stresses urgency and the fulfillment of God"s plan (cf. Luke 2:11; Luke 4:21; Luke 19:9). [1] This attitude was typical of Jesus who sought out lost people. Zaccheus gladly and obediently responded to Jesus" offer.
". . . the coming of Jesus to share his home is a sign of fellowship and ultimately forgiveness." [2]
Luke 19:5 records an instance of divine sovereignty and Luke 19:6 human responsibility. [3]