Zacchaeus the tax collector. From the kids’ song, we know him as a “wee little man.” And while his physical stature may have been diminutive in size, so much so that it was recorded in the Bible for all of history to see. His tale is perhaps one of the most poignant of one turning to Christ.
The Bible tells us that we all “fall short” of the Glory of God. Satan would have us believe that we are not good enough to warrant God’s love…Christ’s sacrifice. Conversely, there are many that believe that they are too big to need anything beyond what the world has given them: power, money, stature, position, authority. What can God give me that I don’t already have?
When the crowd saw Jesus was going to Zacchaeus’ house, they started to mutter. Why? Because they did not feel Zacchaeus was worthy of such an honor as to have Jesus go to his house for dinner. Perhaps they were jealous that Jesus didn’t ask to dine with them. But Zacchaeus did not ask Jesus to come, rather it was who Jesus asked (told) Zacchaeus that he was going to his house. The world doesn’t understand the calling of Christ for the lost sinner. All are faced, at some point with making a decision about Jesus. Accept or reject. That’s the struggle.
Even as Christians, we can be like the crowds at times. Muttering “why this person”, or “why we should do outreach to “those people.” Sadly, that is human nature. We tend to judge who we feel is worthy of things, to include Jesus.
The Gospel is for all. The things of the world are temporary, a vapor. But the matters of God are eternal. We are beckoned to come as we are. Not so we can stay that way, but rather be transformed by Christ. Jesus is asking to come to “our house.” Are you ready to respond?
The Bible tells us that we all “fall short” of the Glory of God. Satan would have us believe that we are not good enough to warrant God’s love…Christ’s sacrifice. Conversely, there are many that believe that they are too big to need anything beyond what the world has given them: power, money, stature, position, authority. What can God give me that I don’t already have?
When the crowd saw Jesus was going to Zacchaeus’ house, they started to mutter. Why? Because they did not feel Zacchaeus was worthy of such an honor as to have Jesus go to his house for dinner. Perhaps they were jealous that Jesus didn’t ask to dine with them. But Zacchaeus did not ask Jesus to come, rather it was who Jesus asked (told) Zacchaeus that he was going to his house. The world doesn’t understand the calling of Christ for the lost sinner. All are faced, at some point with making a decision about Jesus. Accept or reject. That’s the struggle.
Even as Christians, we can be like the crowds at times. Muttering “why this person”, or “why we should do outreach to “those people.” Sadly, that is human nature. We tend to judge who we feel is worthy of things, to include Jesus.
The Gospel is for all. The things of the world are temporary, a vapor. But the matters of God are eternal. We are beckoned to come as we are. Not so we can stay that way, but rather be transformed by Christ. Jesus is asking to come to “our house.” Are you ready to respond?