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? …a 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.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
Is there something you need
to make right this week? Does someone need your friendship?
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