Zacchaeus was rich.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector, the most despised of professions.
Zacchaeus worked for the Romans.
But Zacchaeus was curious.
Zacchaeus climbed the tree.
Zacchaeus responded to Jesus.
Zacchaeus praised the Lord.
Zacchaeus changed his ways.
Short lesson this week, as we didn't get to play Ruler and Peasant last week. We're going to read the scripture for this week's gospel, and try to think of the person we know who is unlikeliest to be saved. Famous, that's okay, as long as you remember that we don't really know them. Local, okay, but change the name to protect the innocent. If we had a chance to talk to that person about Jesus, what would you say to pique their curiosity? What do you know about Jesus that would get someone to climb a tree? What do you think Zacchaeus had heard?
Luke 19:1-10 (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 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?"
Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, "Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I'm caught cheating, I pay four times the damages."
Jesus said, "Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost."
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| hoyasmeg @ Flickr |
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