Already he had begun thus to retrace his steps, when the news sounded through Jericho that Jesus was entering the town. Zacchaeus determined to see Him. He was beginning to realize how bitter are the fruits of sin, and how difficult the path of him who tries to return from a course of wrong. To be misunderstood, to be met with suspicion and distrust in the effort to correct his errors, was hard to bear. The chief publican longed to look upon the face of Him whose words had brought hope to his heart.

Han var allerede begyndt at genoprette, hvad han kunne, da det rygtedes i hele Jeriko, at Jesus var ved at drage ind i byen. Zakæus besluttede, at han ville se ham. Det var begyndt at stå ham klart, hvor bitre syndens frugter er, og hvor vanskeligt livet er for den, som prøver at vende om fra urettens vej. Det var svært at måtte tåle misforståelser og at blive mødt med mistanke, når man forsøgte at genoprette, hvad man havde gjort forkert. Overtolderen længtes efter at se den mands ansigt, som havde givet hans sjæl nyt håb.