Zacchaeus was a short man, and a man accustomed to being looked down upon. As a tax collector, he was hated and despised. Thinking he knew his standing, he knows that he will not be able to see Jesus with the great crowds. This grown man climbs a tree. But Jesus sees him, and calls him. This is perhaps the first time anyone has looked up at him.
The crowds grow wild - how dare Jesus go to his house! But Zacchaeus stands his ground, and vows to change his life - that half of his possessions will be given to the poor and if - note this "if" - he has defrauded anyone - he will pay back that person back four-fold. His life is radically changed and truly the salvation that Christ declares enters his house has been effective in his life.
We, too, could easily let the world look down upon us. But we need to take our stand, strengthened by Christ's look at us. What is our response?
No comments:
Post a Comment