Jesus encounters the tax man

Encountering Jesus
As children we sang about the short but wealthy Zacchaeus who so wanted to see Jesus that he climbed a sycamore tree. How badly do you want to meet Jesus? To what lengths would you go just to see him? Put yourself in that place. As you read the story hear Jesus recognize you in your hiding place. Imagine he comes to visit with you in a way that those around you know about it. What will people say about you and him? What will you say to Jesus? Do you have a confession to make, restitution to offer? Hear Jesus reply.

1-4Then Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus, the head tax man and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way—he was a short man and couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when he came by.
5-7When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”
8Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”
9-10 Jesus said, “Today is salvation day in this home! Here he is: Zacchaeus, son of Abraham! For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.”
Luke 19:1 – 10, The Message

Think now of those who may be excluded from the family of faith. Is Jesus inviting himself to their place? Is Jesus calling us to go to them, to know them as children of God, just as he, Jesus, does? Is that the place we are to meet Jesus today?