Little guy, big change

Jesus was on His way through Jericho, being followed by a large crowd.

A pocket sized guy with a bulging bank account was trying to take a look at Jesus.

This guy, Zacchaeus, we'll call him "Zac", had made his fortune by collecting taxes for the Romans. Actually, he was so good at it, he'd been made the chief collector of taxes.

No one likes tax collectors these days, but back then it was much worse, they were allowed to add their own "commission" on top, just as long as the Romans got their percentage - meaning that they were despised by ordinary folk.

Picture the scene, this little guy jumping up and down trying to see Jesus over the heads of the crowd, probably even being pushed aside and being told where to go in no uncertain terms!

However, Zac was pretty resourceful and found a tree to climb in order to see Jesus.

Somehow, for him, there was something magnetic and intriguing about the reputation of Jesus.

Perhaps he'd heard how Jesus had hung out with other tax collectors, so it gave him hope of not being rejected.

He was obviously miserable inside, despite his great wealth.

I love the way Jesus stops just at the place where Zac is in hiding and looks up the tree, calling him to come down by name, because He's coming to stay at his home for tea!

After being reviled, hated and avoided by people, this was a revelation for the little guy.

Zac's response is immediate and joyful.

Luke 19:6 AMPC

So he hurried and came down, and he received and welcomed Him joyfully.

But it didn't sit well with the town's folk - they muttered and complained about it.

Being fair, we'd probably feel the same. If Jesus came to our town and went to stay with the most corrupt official, we'd feel a bit miffed too.

But the "Divine Reader of Hearts" knew Zac's time had come - he was ripe for salvation.

In reverse to other rich guys that Jesus had met, Zac had tasted the futility of riches. He wanted something more, something to change the staleness and emptiness of selfishness.

During the meal, a wonderful change happened in Zac's heart. Jesus transformed him from a greedy tax collector, to a generous benefactor.

Luke 19:8 AMPC

So then Zacchaeus stood up and solemnly declared to the Lord, See, Lord, the half of my goods I now give by way of restoration to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I now restore four times as much.

Meeting Jesus loosened Zac's purse strings and some!

Luke 19:9-10 AMPC

And Jesus said to him, Today is [Messianic and spiritual] salvation come to [all the members of] this household, since Zacchaeus too is a [real spiritual] son of Abraham; For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.

You may think nobody sees you trying to see if Jesus is for real, but Jesus does. He knows where you are and He calls you by your name. You too can come down from your tree and meet Jesus!