Luke 19
Zacchaeus
And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchæus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchæus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchæus 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. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
In Jericho, Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector, climbs a tree to see Jesus because he is too short to see over the crowd. Jesus calls him by name and says he must stay at his house, and the crowd grumbles. Zacchaeus announces that he gives half his goods to the poor and repays four times over anyone he has cheated, and Jesus declares that salvation has come to this house, for the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.
What does this mean?
A "sycomore" (KJV) or "sycamore" is the sycamore-fig, a tree with low, spreading branches, not the European sycamore. "Son of Abraham" affirms that he belongs to God's people despite his reputation.
Historical context
Jericho was a prosperous town on a trade route, and a chief tax collector there would have overseen others collecting tolls. The Law required fourfold repayment for a stolen sheep (Exodus 22:1), far beyond the one-fifth added in cases of fraud (Leviticus 6:5). Some interpreters read Zacchaeus's words as a pledge made in response to Jesus; others, noting the present tense, as a description of what he already did.
Why does it matter?
The story sums up Luke's picture of Jesus seeking outsiders, and it contrasts with the rich ruler who became very sad (18:23).
Editorial notes, not scripture.