17/11/2023
I have read the story of Jesus' meeting with Zacchaeus many times, and each time I hear something new. Today, I decided that Zacchaeus has been wrongly accused. He was considered a sinner because he was a tax collector and all tax collectors were considered sinners as well as traitors because they worked for the Romans. If what he tells Jesus is the truth, and we have no reason to believe that he lied to Jesus, than he was probably more honest than the Pharisees who were not known for giving their money to the poor. Zacchaeus knows how he is viewed by the people; they have no respect for him and can't understand why Jesus would talk to him let alone lodge with him. Jesus makes it very clear in this passage as well as at other times that he is there to save those who need saving, those that were lost. Jesus came to save the lost among us as well. I certainly can't say that I give half of my goods to the poor. I do what I can, but sometimes I wonder if I am doing enough. It's so easy to judge people because of their professions or where they live, or how they look. I have come to be very disillusioned by those in politics, for example. I'm sure that most of them are honest, hard-working people who want the best for the people they serve, but I have doubts. I really have problems with lobbyists, but I have known lobbyists who were honest and did not try to bribe those who were in positions of decision making. We all have a long way to go in being able to tell Jesus who is worthy of his salvation!
