Zacchaeus, a tax collector was wealthy and had everything he wanted. He possessed 4 the P’s: Power, Pleasure, Pride, and the accompanying companion: Problems...
He is rich, but not happy; successful in his profession but a failure in his vocation to human flourishing and relationships. So, here is this man, Zacchaeus, short in stature and poor in reputation. When he hears about Jesus who welcomes tax collectors and sinners, he sees a ray of hope. He turns that hope into a strong determination to encounter him. He expresses his deep determination and desire to encounter Jesus climbing the sycamore tree which during Jesus’ time was done only by a child or a slave. But Zacchaeus does not feel humiliated because he has a greater goal. He wanted to change direction.
Jesus tells Zacchaeus, “I’m going to be your guest tonight.”
Zacchaeus sees past the need to have a guest in his house and realizes what he should do to make room for Jesus in his life. He decides to distribute half of his possessions to the poor and resolves to make compensation for fraud. Zacchaeus realizes he can love the money, but the money can’t love him in return; it can buy a bed but not sleep; it can buy food but not appetite; it can buy a mansion but not a home; it can buy medicine but not health; it can buy pleasure but not happiness; it can hire bodyguards but not peace of heart; it can even buy a beautiful grave but not eternal life. So he makes room for Jesus!
After watching today's video reflect on your own greater goal. Is there anything in our lives that we need to empty to let Jesus in?
