72. Zacchaeus Welcomes Jesus

Luke 19:1-10

Zacchaeus was a tax collector. He was rich because he took money from other people and kept lots of it for himself.

One day, Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was in his town. He wanted to see Jesus – but he was a small man and he could not see over everyone else’s heads. So he climbed a tree to get a better view.

When Jesus reached Zacchaeus’ tree, he stopped. “Zacchaeus,” he said, “I would like to stay at your house today.”

Zacchaeus scrambled down his tree. He felt really happy that Jesus wanted to spend time with him. Everyone else felt very not happy. “Why is Jesus choosing to spend time with a mean cheater instead of good people?” they grumbled.

But Zacchaeus had changed. “Jesus, I am going to give half of my money to people who have less than me,” he said.

“And I will give back everything I have stolen, plus extra.”

Jesus said, “Today you have been rescued. I came to find and rescue lost people like you.”