Jan 30 2022Day 280  Luke 19:1–47

For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.



Zacchaeus was the head tax collector. At that time, tax collectors were Israelites who were seen as traitors, two-fold. Not only did they do the Roman occupiers’ bidding in collecting taxes from their friends and family, but they routinely asked for more than Rome sought, and pocketed the rest. This is why they are frequently found in the phrase, “sinners and tax collectors”. One can only imagine that Zacchaeus, as the head tax collector was even more scheming and sinning than the other tax collectors; he led them.

Jesus is passing by, and Zacchaeus wants to see but cannot because he’s short. So this conniving and sinning head tax collector climbs a tree, just to see Jesus. Jesus spots him, and tells him to hurry down because Jesus needs to stay with him. With Zacchaeus, the head tax collector. Many people grumbled, as Jesus picked the least expected to stay with; many probably thought Zacchaeus didn’t deserve that, while they did.

There is nothing that we’re told about between this exchange and Zacchaeus having a full repentance, or a full 180 degree turn back towards good. Zacchaeus says he’ll pay anyone back he’s cheated four-fold, and give half his possessions to the poor. So by merely being seen by Jesus, and with Jesus offering to stay with him, Zacchaeus is a changed person. Hmm.

We are given the opportunity to see Jesus all the time, although not in earthly flesh. In my tradition, we believe Jesus is genuinely present in the bread and wine of Eucharist. Even without Eucharist, Christians believe that God-the-Son is found in people we meet, so we’re always able to see Christ, if we remember to look.

Additionally, when Jesus returned to God-the-Father at his ascension, Jesus sent us God-the-Spirit to abide with us always.

We are all a lot like Zacchaeus. We have sinned, by acts and omissions. We have taken advantage of others. We have slighted others. When given the chance, we have not shown love. And like Zacchaeus, we see Jesus, if we look. And like Zacchaeus, Jesus has asked if he can stay with us. Like Zacchaeus, Jesus came to seek out and save the lost. This morning, I’m thinking about whether I’d respond the same way as Zacchaeus.