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Zaccheus, the Publican Finds Faith
When Jesus invited himself to Zaccheus' house, a wealthy tax collector, Zaccheus pledged to give to the poor and make amends, illustrating Jesus' mission to save the lost and his transformative impact on societal outcasts.
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Summary
When Jesus entered Jericho, Zaccheus, a wealthy tax collector, climbed a tree to see him due to his short stature. Surprisingly, Jesus invited himself to Zaccheus' house, shocking the crowd who viewed Zaccheus as a sinner. In response to criticism, Zaccheus publicly pledged to give half his wealth to the poor and make restitution for any wrongdoing. Jesus declared that salvation had come to Zaccheus' home, emphasizing his mission to seek and save the lost.
This encounter exemplifies Jesus' willingness to associate with societal outcasts and the transformative power of his presence, leading to Zaccheus' immediate change of heart and actions.
The Encounter in Jericho
As Jesus' procession entered Jericho near sundown, he decided to stay for the night. Zaccheus, the wealthy chief tax collector, was eager to see Jesus but couldn't due to the crowd and his short stature. Determined, he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree overhanging the road. As Jesus passed by, he looked up and said:
"Make haste, Zaccheus, and come down, for tonight I must abide at your house."Surprised and overjoyed, Zaccheus quickly descended and welcomed Jesus.
Transformation and Salvation
The people of Jericho were astonished that Jesus would stay with a "sinner." As they stood before Zaccheus' house, a Pharisee criticized Jesus' choice of lodging. In response, Zaccheus declared:
"Men of Jericho, hear me! I may be a publican and a sinner, but the great Teacher has come to abide in my house; and before he goes in, I tell you that I am going to bestow one-half of all my goods upon the poor, and beginning tomorrow, if I have wrongfully exacted aught from any man, I will restore fourfold. I am going to seek salvation with all my heart and learn to do righteousness in the sight of God."
Jesus then proclaimed: "Today has salvation come to this home, and you have become indeed a son of Abraham."
Addressing the crowd, he added: "And marvel not at what I say nor take offense at what we do, for I have all along declared that the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which is lost."
They stayed with Zaccheus that night and departed the next day for Bethany en route to the Passover in Jerusalem.
