You probably know this story... it is about wee little Zacchaeus... as traitor who finds Jesus.Quick note: Tax collectors were seen as traitors to Jewish people in Jesus time. The Jewish people were unwillingingly under the rule of Rome and Caesar and wanted to rule themselves. A tax collector was a Jewish person who worked for the Roman oppressors collecting money from Jewish hard working citizens. They were sellouts... and the Jewish people despised them for going over to the other side...
In the case of Wee Zacch, we find him desperately wanting to see Jesus... it seems like he was aware of how sinful and bad that he was... isn't interesting that this story comes quickly after another story about a tax collector praying in the temple.
What is so interesting is the change that happens in Zacch's heart... After meeting with Jesus he says, "Now I give half my possessions to the poor and if have cheated anyone, I will give them back 4 times as much."
His time with Jesus change him from the inside out. Jesus life can change ours too. He can take our selfishness and turn it into forgiveness and the freedom to be a different kind of people...
Luke is really clear: Jesus came to seek and save what was lost... Including you and I when we sin and turn away from God
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