Nancy Walker, member of the Goodwill Class, Altar Guild and Prayer Ministry

Luke 19: 1-7 (The Message)

Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho.  There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich.  He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way–he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd.  So he ran on up ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.

When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down.  Today is my day to be a guest in your home.”  Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him.  Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”

Reflection:

Most young children in Sunday School or Vacation Bible School are taught the song about Zacchaeus, the “wee little man.” The tune and the words are memorable, but they do not tell the whole story of Zacchaeus. As the chief tax collector in Jericho, he was responsible for sending Jericho’s required taxes to Rome. Israel, at this time in history, lived under the thumb of the Roman Empire. In one way, Zacchaeus kept Jericho in a good relationship with the empire, because he made sure their taxes were paid. However, he had the ability to charge people more than the Romans required, lining his pockets with the excess taxes. That is why he was rich because he stole from the citizens of that city. He had a big, luxurious house that was well-stocked with food and wine and attended by servants. It would have been easy for him to entertain Jesus and his disciples. As for neighbors, he probably did not have a cordial relationship with anyone who lived near him or anyone in the city. Everyone knew he was a thief! So why did Jesus want to go to his house?  

This man was exactly the type of person with whom Jesus often met and interacted. He was a thief and a social outcast. Jesus knew that he could change Zacchaeus’s heart. He knew there was a transformation-in-the-making inside Zacchaeus! Our Lord knew this man had the capacity to love his neighbor as himself. If you continue to read Luke 19:8-10, you learn how Zacchaeus was transformed. “Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned.  He stammered apologetically, ‘Master, I will give away half my income to the poor–and if I’m caught cheating, I will pay four times the damages.” Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here is Zacchaeus, son of Abraham!  For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.'” Zacchaeus was transformed by this encounter with Jesus. He began to love his neighbors as himself. He had needed Jesus’ love and healing touch, which then pointed his focus outward. Instead of desiring to look out for number one he recognized the need to care for his community. 

As Christians, Christ has already come to our home. He has already come and dined at our table. We have already been pointed outward to the community around us. This love that Christ gives us must flow through us to others. May we pass it on to all of our neighbors!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, as we travel through this day, please walk with us! Help us to remember how important it is to care for others, to love our neighbors–even if we may not like them! And may we remember your love for everyone, as you fill our lives with love every day! Amen.