Entry Into Jesus

In The Entry into Jerusalem, the biblical narrative of Zacheus displays the theme of equality in the ministry of Jesus Christ. The dramatists portray the socially-constructed hierarchies that reflect economic and physical stature as irrelevant to religious doctrine. Regardless of the characters’ social status in the Jewish community, Christ perceives all of the citizens as equal to their peers and inferior to the sovereignty of God. The dramatists characterize Zacheus as a citizen who is vulnerable to his society’s perception of income, occupation, and physical appearance. Zacheus recognizes his occupation as an element to his identity that prohibits him from accessing religious consolation from Christ when he states “Of publicans since prince am I, of him I could have no knowing” (120). While his position as a tax collector elevates him socially by offering him access to financial security and power, Zacheus acknowledges the sin that he has committed by bestowing hardships among the members of his community. Instead of devoting his existence to serving God, he has supported a government institution that acts in opposition to the wellbeing of the Jewish citizens throughout his career. His subtle repentance demotes his identity as a wealthy and
prideful citizen, however, his expression of remorse ultimately leads to his forgiveness from Christ.
In an attempt to satisfy his curiosity regarding the ministry of Christ, Zacheus relies on an explicit form of physical elevation to gain a privileged view of the prophet. Zacheus’ statement “I am short, ye know well all, Therefore yon tree I will go to And in it climb… under me hid may be nought” (120) is a literal demonstration of his fixation on social hierarchies; he believes that if he elevates himself over the other citizens, he will obtain superior insight on the son of God. The other citizens will be beneath Zacheus, creating a physical segregation that benefits the tax collector. Christ reprimands Zacheus’ endeavor to obtain a superior position by demanding that he climb down from the tree and reclaim a level ground with his peers.
The reflection of God’s sovereignty through the ministry of Christ immediately compels Zacheus to acquire an inferior physical position, as he states “To thee on knees, Lord, here I fall, For sin I wrought” (121).
Prior to experiencing the influence of Christ, Zacheus depends on self-elevation to construct his identity through his occupational and physical stature. His interaction with Christ leads him to acquiring a position of subservience to God by falling on his knees and confessing his sins. Zacheus’ transition demonstrates that the ministry of Christ subjects all of humankind to a state of equality; regardless of an individual’s social status, all mortals are equal to each other and inferior to the power of
God.