Albert Barnes Commentary Luke 19:5

"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to-day I must abide at thy house." — Luke 19:5 (ASV)

Abide at your house. Remain there, or stay with him. This was an honour which Zacchaeus did not expect. The utmost, it seems, which he aimed at was to see Jesus; but, instead of that, Jesus proposed to remain with him and give him the benefit of his personal instruction.

It is but one among a thousand instances where the Saviour, in bestowing mercies, goes far beyond their desert, their desire, or their expectation; and it is proper to learn from this example that an earnest desire to see the Saviour will not pass unnoticed by him, but will meet with his warm approval and be connected with his blessing.

Jesus was willing to encourage efforts to come to him, and his benevolence prompted him to gratify the desires of the man who was eager to see him.

He does not disdain the mansions of the rich any more than he does the dwelling-places of the poor, provided there is a humble heart; and he did not suppose there was less need of his presence to save in the house of the rich man than among the poor.

He set an example to all his ministers and was not afraid or ashamed to proclaim his gospel amid wealth. He was not awed by external splendour or grandeur.