Luke 19:5

And saw him. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 146) the omission of these words.

Abide at thy house. This could refer either to an extended rest during the daytime or to spending the night. This is the only recorded occasion on which Jesus invited Himself to anyone’s home. A man of Zacchaeus’ position would certainly have ample facilities for entertaining guests, and Jesus knew that Zacchaeus would not be embarrassed even if the guests were unexpected. We are not told how Jesus recognized Zacchaeus, so as to be able to call him by name. To be sure, it is possible that some of the bystanders told Him, but it is far more probable that this is an instance of supernatural knowledge similar to that illustrated in John 1:47. Jesus knew that He would be more than welcome; Zacchaeus had greatly desired an opportunity to “see Jesus” (Luke 19:3), and he must have felt highly honored and pleased at the privilege of entertaining this great Teacher in his own home. Jesus knew all this, and went to the tax collector’s home for the specific purpose of instructing him in the way of the kingdom (DA 556).