Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-10

The most hated man in Jericho climbed a tree — and Jesus invited himself to lunch.

Zacchaeus is chief tax collector in Jericho — rich from overcharging his own people on behalf of Rome. When Jesus passes through, Zacchaeus wants to see him but can't — he's too short and the crowd won't make room for a traitor. So this wealthy, powerful man does something undignified: he runs ahead and climbs a sycamore-fig tree. Jesus looks up: Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today. The crowd mutters: He's gone to be the guest of a sinner. But something happens during that meal. Zacchaeus stands and announces: I will give half my possessions to the poor, and if I've cheated anyone, I'll pay back four times the amount. Jesus says: Today salvation has come to this house.

• Transformation
• Grace
• Repentance
• Seeking