Let’s be honest here; what do we think of when we think of the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus? I can’t speak for everybody, but I suspect I speak for many when I say that the first thing that comes to mind when Zacchaeus is mentioned is the kid’s song most people have heard for years. Many have grown up hearing this catchy little ditty on Zacchaeus, the “Wee Little Man.”
The Zacchaeus Song
Zaccheus was a wee, little man
And a wee, little man was he
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see
And as the Savior came that way
He looked up in the tree
And he said,
“Zaccheus, you come down from there”
For I’m going to your house today
For I’m going to your house today
We do that song with cool hand gestures and little moves that are pretty catchy to be honest, and kids really seem to love this song.
So, what do we end up with here? We have a cute little song about a cute, wee little fellow scampering up a tree and sitting in the branches to see Jesus.
Is that the real Zacchaeus? Is there more to the story than just a happy little guy having lunch with Jesus? Well, of course there is, and we are going to take a look at all of that as we move along.
Next: Who was Zacchaeus really?
Truth in Palmyra 
February 14, 2017 at 08:14
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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February 14, 2017 at 08:21
Thanks brother Vincent!
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February 14, 2017 at 09:11
You’re very welcome Brother Wally
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February 14, 2017 at 08:29
Can’t say as I ever heard that catchy little tune about the wee little man. Guess I need to volunteer in our children’s ministry.
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February 14, 2017 at 08:52
LOL, it’s a cute song and the kids love to sing it…and some of the grown ups, too!
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February 14, 2017 at 09:10
Don’t feel bad Don…I Tain’t heard it neither.
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February 14, 2017 at 09:12
Wow
You guys are curmudgeons or something
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February 14, 2017 at 09:50
Why, yes I am…whatever a curmudgeon is…
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February 14, 2017 at 10:03
🙂
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February 14, 2017 at 11:00
Wally, it’s amazing that wee Zacchaeus didn’t develop a “Little Caesar” complex. Hmmm. Or did he?
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February 14, 2017 at 11:18
He is an interesting character, isn’t he Tom?
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February 14, 2017 at 12:10
Yes, he may have caught some flak for being short and relished becoming wealthy on the backs of his Jewish brethren…but then being so willing to give it up when he met true riches…so unlike the rich, young ruler.
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February 14, 2017 at 12:41
Now, how funny you said that. That fellow will be part of this series, too. Because the comparison and the lesson are unmistakable. “Good” man, the rich young ruler…lost. “bad” man, the tax collector…saved.
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February 14, 2017 at 12:53
Good comparison, Wally. I think we may have discussed the rich young ruler previously. Those who teach works righteousness say the rich young ruler was able to keep the commandments Jesus mentioned – “All these things have I kept from my youth up” – while believers would say Jesus circumvented the man’s claims to self-righteousness by cutting to his undeniable sin; idolatry of wealth and possessions.
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February 14, 2017 at 13:12
Actually, we did. I remember the conversation clearly, and in fact the conversation was useful and helped this whole thing form in my mind a bit.
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February 15, 2017 at 07:27
Hi Tom
Hey, I was looking to see where we talked about the rich young ruler. Must have been at your place, but wasn’t at mine I guess. I remember you making a really good comment, though. If you happen to find where you did that, send me a link. I have plans!
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February 15, 2017 at 08:17
Hi Wally, I searched and searched using various combinations but couldn’t come up with our discussion. Sorry! I wonder if searches on WordPress just scan posts and not comments?
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February 15, 2017 at 08:28
Well on your admin, you should have an omni search thing that can search key words. I just remember you said something really good LOL. All is well, though, you can just say it again in a couple of days!
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February 15, 2017 at 08:39
Yup, I tried that bro but no cigar. Grrrrr. I don’t like it when I can’t find something when I KNOW it’s there. The young ruler passage is an excellent example of how the works righteousness crowd can read the exact same thing and have an opposing interpretation. I guess I would have also read it their way before I was saved. It’s the Holy Spirit who enlightens.
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February 15, 2017 at 08:41
Well..you stay ready to chime in on this. There is so much that can be said, and frankly I don’t want to have to say it all. You know, I am all about letting readers do the writing around here!
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February 14, 2017 at 13:04
I grew up on that song
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February 14, 2017 at 13:11
Finally! Somebody who knows it!
LOL.
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February 14, 2017 at 13:12
We be old, Wally…
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February 14, 2017 at 13:15
Well, yes I am in fact heading that way.
Oddly, though I had never heard it myself until I was 45 and heard it at church camp the first time I ever went. I learned a lot of good songs that year!
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February 14, 2017 at 13:47
Yeah… every time I see the name Zaccheus that song starts playing in my head. I’ve taught it to kids too. There are some books of the Bible that kick songs into gear too. Looking forward to the next post!
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February 14, 2017 at 13:49
Thanks Elihu!
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