Jesus does not expect anything of Zacchaeus before he comes to visit his house. Jesus sees Zacchaeus in the tree and tells him that he is coming to stay at his house. This is not a question or an option for Zacchaeus. Jesus is coming to his home.
Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus into his home. In response to the people or perhaps just in response to Jesus presence in his life, Zacchaeus exhibits change in his life by radically adjusting the way that he practices his every day work. He gives half of his possessions to the poor and will pay back all that he has cheated and more.
Wow.
Jesus presence brings change in Zacchaeus’ life and Zacchaeus begins to transform the community through his actions.
I believe that this story continues to be told today. Jesus presence changes lives – yours and mine. Together we rethink what it means to be the church and are sent out in service to the world.
