March 17, 2016 Thursday)
At this season of the year, we try to remember in special ways the historical events connected with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It was probably on a Thursday that Jesus visited Jericho on His way to Jerusalem for what we call “Palm Sunday.” Zaccheus lived in Jericho. We’re familiar with him, because he’s the one the kids sing about. Remember, the “wee little man?” When Jesus came to his town, it was his last chance to see him. Jesus would never again visit the city, because he was on his way to that final week in Jerusalem known today as “Holy Week.”
Zaccheus was a tax collector. The disciple, Matthew, had also worked at that same occupation, before following Jesus. We are told that it was a lucrative profession, because of an inherent moral weakness in the business structure. If a tax collector could collect more than was due, he could keep the difference for himself. In that way, a tax collector could amass a sizeable amount of money over time. A stigma was also attached to the job because it put a Jew to work for the hated Romans. Tax collectors were thought of as collaborating with enemies. Years earlier, Matthew had turned away from tax collection to follow Jesus.
Zaccheus met Jesus as he came down the main street of his town. He had seemed to anticipate the arrival of Jesus at Jericho. and determined that nothing would keep him from seeing his Savior. As Jesus and his followers marched down the main street of Jericho, he suddenly came to an abrupt halt. He looked up to where Zaccheus had positioned himself for a better view, called Zaccheus by name, and invited himself to his home. The bystanders could not help but comment, “He’s gone to be guest in the house of a sinner.” Zaccheus gladly received Jesus into his home and showed hospitality. Presumably after a meal, he announced for all to hear, “”Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.’ That’s real repentance. Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house'” (Luke 19: 8-9).
On his way to Jerusalem, where he was to purchase redemption for us all at the price of his life’s blood, Jesus had made time to save one more.
In the words of a wonderful old hymn, “What a Savior!”
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O what a Savior, O hallelujah
His heart was broken on Calvary
His hands were nail scarred
His side was riven
He gave His life-blood for even me.
(ADAPTED FROM A 2008 BLOG)