Luke 19:3

Sought to see Jesus. Possibly he had desired for some time to find an opportunity to see Him. John the Baptist’s early work was done at Bethabara (Bethany), unidentified, but on the eastern bank of the Jordan, perhaps near Jericho (see on Matt. 3:2; John 1:28), and Zacchaeus had joined the throngs that went out to hear him preach (DA 553). Conceivably he might have been among the tax collectors who asked John, “Master, what shall we do?” (see Luke 3:12). Zacchaeus was impressed with John’s message, and though he was not truly converted at that time, John’s words began to work like leaven in his heart (DA 553). Prior to this time Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus and had begun the task of confession and restitution (DA 553, 555). With hunger of heart he had been longing for an opportunity to see Jesus and learn from Him the way of life more perfectly. To some extent he had already put the principles of the gospel to work in his own life, by acting in harmony with the principles found in Lev. 25:17, 35-37 (see on Luke 19:8). Compare Matthew’s experience (see on Mark 2:13, 14).

Who he was. That is, Zacchaeus wished to see who Jesus was, to pick Him out of the crowd that thronged about Him in the street.

Could not for the press. The narrow streets of ancient cities, often scarcely wider from wall to wall than a man’s outstretched arms could reach, would make Zacchaeus’ problem even more difficult.