It is amazing to me that Jesus, the Son of God, Savior of the World, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, had such a variety of people in His “congregation.” A sinful prostitute, taken in adultery by the scribes and Pharisees… the woman at the well, who had five husbands and was about to add another… a Centurion, a rich young ruler… a demon-possessed man of the Gadarenes… Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue of the Jews… some rough “fishermen…” untouchable lepers… and finally, Zacchaeus, a “tax collector.” A “tax collector,” in those days, were the most despised! They were Jews hired by the Romans to collect a certain amount of taxes every year and whatever they “collected” over the amount they kept! They were ruthless, taking away land, etc… In Hebrew, Zacchaeus meant, “pure or innocent,” but he wasn’t! However, when Jesus came into town, this “short little man,” climbed up into a sycamore tree to “see Jesus.”

Jesus saw him and “invited him to come to his house that day!” Of course, the gossip spread like wildfire, but just a few moments with the Master and Zacchaeus said, “Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” (Luke 19:1-10)

Only Jesus can change a life!!! Keep on praying for that “loved one.” All they have to do is have one meeting with Jesus! Sherry