ARE YOU A ZACCHAEUS?
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How serious are you in what you want to do? Just how far would you really go or how much would you risk? I would like to talk to you about Zacchaeus, found in Luke 19. I know what you are thinking, “Oh Layton, he just climbed a tree to see Jesus.” And you would be correct. But let’s take a closer look at this instance.
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. Being a chief most likely put him in charge of other tax collectors and he oversaw an area or territory. He was also a Jew and of short stature. His profession put him in a precarious spot. The Jews detested tax collectors as much as they detested the Romans. But Rome was smart in using the local Jewish people as pawns to do the dirty work of collecting taxes from their own people. As long as they gathered what was owed to Rome, the Roman officials turned a blind eye to the extra money most tax collectors took from people. Now when it was reported that Jesus was coming to Jericho, where Zacchaeus was, Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus. When Jesus entered the town, Zacchaeus could not see over the people in front of him. Do you think there were any in the crowd that knew Zacchaeus was trying to catch a glimpse of Jesus? I would believe it. But in retaliation, this would have been one of the few times the Jewish people could get back at Zacchaeus. Some people may have pretended not to notice Zacchaeus. Maybe others squeezed a little closer to their neighbor so as not to let Zacchaeus wiggle inside or get closer. |
Whatever the case, Zacchaeus was not to be deterred in his desire to see Jesus. He ran ahead noticing the route Jesus walked, and as he had probably done as a little child growing up, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree. He found a branch where he could watch Jesus walk right under where he sat. But even though Zacchaeus was happy at the chance just to see Jesus, there was more to come.
Jesus stopped where Zacchaeus was, acknowledged him and spoke to him. Then Jesus said they would go to his house. What do you think the Jewish people witnessing this thought? Oh, my friends, we have been there. We have had the same judgmental thoughts at certain times in our lives. Sure, maybe we didn’t say it, but we thought it. Do you realize what happened at Zacchaeus’ house? He repaid all the money he took by cheating, times four! He also gave half of what he owned to the poor! How serious are we in our faith? How far will we go in our quest for truth? All Zacchaeus wanted was to see Jesus. In doing so, his life was changed. Transformed. Before Jesus left Zacchaeus’ home, He said, “Salvation has come to this house today.” “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” John 8:32. Jesus’ own words. I like the sounds of that, don’t you? Layton |
Thank you for taking time to read this portion of the Hayesville Methodist Church newsletter online. If you have questions or concerns about the current newsletter, please do not hesitate to respond to me at kldiener1090@gmail.com. Your input is important to me. Have a blessed month!
Please continue to keep the following in your prayers:
*Our Country, Its Leaders, Our military, and Our Heartland*
*Our local men and women in the military*
*All members of our congregation - for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about*
*Our Country, Its Leaders, Our military, and Our Heartland*
*Our local men and women in the military*
*All members of our congregation - for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about*
