Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:1-10
"Zac" had more money than he knew what to with!
He had a luxurious house with expensive furniture, paintings and ornaments, like something out of Grand Designs!
He had everything materially, but it didn't mean much anymore.
People didn't like him, as he was a greedy, little man.
Not only did he collect taxes for the government, but added a bit more "commission" on top for his own "bank account".
"Zac" had always felt a bit of an outsider, teased for his small stature since childhood. Those nasty nicknames stuck and still stung his memory.
If nobody liked him anyway, why not charge them a bit more to get his revenge?
Yet it was a hollow victory - going home to no one at the end of the day. Loneliness covered him like a shroud.
He watched others laughing and enjoying friendship and he envied them. Money can't give you a hug or share a tear when you're down.
Ok, they were poor, but they had acceptance and company. But what did he really have? Who cared if he lived or died?
There was a rumour going round about a guy called Jesus. They said he was a healer, a great teacher, but, they also said, one of his followers was a reformed tax collector!
"I gotta see this Jesus", Zac thought, and hope rose in his heart. Perhaps he could be my friend too!
All the locals were out in the street, crushing in on Jesus and his entourage.
Zac thought, I'll never get a chance to see him... Hang on though, that sycamore tree along the road. Perhaps I can climb up and get a look from there?
They're getting closer, I can see him, but he can't see me!
Wait, he's stopping, looking up through the leafy branches, staring into my eyes with such kindness. When was the last time that happened?
Unbelievable! He's coming to my house! He's calling me down from my hiding place!
I can hear the crowd grumbling, but I don't care, my heart is bursting with joy that Jesus wants to stay with me! The me that no one likes, the me that folk avoid! The me that has cheated and taken their money! Jesus in my house, some wonderful change is happening to me.
Money, what do I care about money, when Jesus has come to stay in my house?
What did he say.. "better to give than receive"... Let me make amends, let me give back more than I "stole"!
Take Zac's advice, when Jesus calls me down from my "tree", share the joy!
He's coming to stay in the home of my heart!
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