
Today we meet Zacchaeus, a most loveable character. He is a senior Tax collector. Luke says that a man called Zacchaeus makes his appearance. Some people enter a room, others make an appearance!!!!!!
He is of small stature. He is very rich and flashy. He is not the most popular man in town He is anxious to meet Jesus. He climbs the sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. Imagine Zacchaeus’ surprise when Jesus calls to him: “Hurry and come down because I must stay in your house today ”. He joyfully accepts the offer.
Luke says : they all complained when they saw what was happening. In all of the Gospel of Luke, when the word they is used, they are always complaining. Here they are complaining because Jesus is eating with sinners. ”He has gone to stay at a sinners house”. Zacchaeus stands his ground and promises repentance and restitution.
Jesus’s reply is for all of us. “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham: for the son of man has come to seek out and save what was lost”.
This is a classic conversion story. We can be part of the complaining crowd. We can be anxious to meet Jesus.