The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-10.

Influential Men Of The Bible: Zacchaeus
The story of Zacchaeus is found in Luke 19:1-10.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector. In fact, he was chief tax collector and a wealthy man. Tax collectors were hated because they were known for cheating people by collecting more than they should. They gave part of the money to the government and kept the rest for themselves. Many times in the Bible they are grouped with sinners, pagans, and immoral people. However, Jesus portrayed many of them as teachable and ready to repent. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows the contrast in their attitudes. The Pharisee was proud of his goodness, but the tax collector was humble and asked for forgiveness (Luke 18:10-14).
Zacchaeus was such a man. He wanted to see Jesus, but he was not very tall. So he had an idea; he would run ahead of the crowd and climb up in the sycamore fig tree that was beside the path where Jesus would walk. When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up at Zacchaeus. Jesus told him to come down immediately, saying “I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5 ESV)! Zacchaeus was so excited. He climbed down and welcomed Jesus. People began to criticize Jesus because he was going to the house of a "sinner," but Zacchaeus was a repentant sinner. He was willing to change. He told the Lord that he would give half of his possessions to the poor, and if he had cheated anybody out of anything, he would give back four times that amount. Jesus was pleased with his genuine attitude of heart. He said, "Today salvation has come to this house" (Luke 19:9).

When the Bible refers to the “heart” it very rarely means the organ in your chest cavity with four valves that pumps blood throughout the body. The “heart” refers to the center of one’s being and is the image of a person’s thought life, reflections, and will. We are commanded to love God and people with our heart (Matthew 22:37-40). According to Romans 10:9-10 we believe with our heart. This belief is accompanied by outward evidence that demonstrates an inward faith. Zacchaeus’ faith was demonstrated in the risk he took and the love he showed. Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). As the opportunity presents itself, take a risk and demonstrate the love of Christ today. “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Romans 12:9).