January 19

I love the narrative of Zacchaeus and Jesus! Right before he was to enter Jerusalem as their King (on a colt) Jesus accepted a “sinner” and then told a story about people who wouldn’t accept him as king. There is quite a distinction between the two. The last servant, who knew the king (Jesus) was a “hard man”, was judge by “his own words” and killed in front of the king! Wow! That’s heavy! He told the story (parable) when people questioned his staying with a “sinner” like Zacchaeus. However, they failed to realize a principle of the Kingdom, Jesus is less concerned about what you have done, and more concerned about your hearts present condition, (whether it is open to Him or not). Zacchaeus had evidentially cheated people (as most tax collectors did), out of money. His response to Jesus however, shows that his heart had changed. His actions showed where his heart was at, (as the servant reflected his heart by hiding the mina). Zacchaeus went to extra ordinary lengths to see Jesus, he then welcomed Jesus, he then proclaimed repentance and wanted to give half his possessions to the poor and pay back (which was required by law) all the money he cheated people out of times 4! He was serious and Jesus knew it. That’s my Jesus!

Looking at this from another side, we have to be watching for the Zacchaeus’. We have to look for those who want to see Jesus, who would welcome Jesus, who would give up whatever to have Jesus be their king. Zacchaeus is like fruit that is ready to fall from the tree, all it would take is a nudge! Find those that are ready and invest there instead of trying to convince or dragging along those who are fully resistant.