If I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount. (Luke 19:8)As a tax collector, it was understood that Zacchaeus would work the system to line his own pockets. That's what tax collectors did; it was expected. Still, Jewish men who collaborated with the Romans didn't make many friends. As such, Zacchaeus was one of the most hated men in Jericho.
What was it about his encounter with Jesus that changed him so? Was it the simple offering of acceptance? ...this gesture of friendship? It was like he was a spring, wound up and waiting for the opportunity to respond. Jesus invited himself over for a meal, and the man who jumped down from the sycamore tree was a different man than the one who climbed up.
This was evident to everyone when Zacchaeus made amends. Not satisfied to do better in the days to come (which, let's be honest; for most of us is usually the extent of our repentance), this corrupt official confessed his wrongs and promised to make them right, going above and beyond the restitution required by Jewish law.
All the whispers, all the sideways glances, and all the social snubs in Jericho couldn't change this dishonest tax collector's character. What finally changed him was grace, pure and simple. One kindness and Zacchaeus was more than ready to make amends for his shortcomings.
Do you need to make something right this week? Is there someone who needs your acceptance?
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