And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house. And he hurried and came down, and received Him gladly. And when they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” Luke 19:5-7 (New American Standard Bible)
I know that paying taxes helps to support my American standard of living but I still don’t care paying it. It is understandable how much the Jews of Jesus’ time hated the dreaded publicans or Jewish tax collectors. These men were hired by Rome to wring revenue from the people under its rule. The average tax collector was not paid a weekly or daily wage by the Roman government. Rome assigned these men a certain amount to be taxed. As long as Rome got its portion it didn’t care how much “payment for services” the publicans took. And the majority of them took plenty. They were relentless extortionist in their job duties and they were ruthless.
So when Jesus said He was going into the home of one of these people many in the crowd around him were dismayed that He would have any personal dealings with such a dirty guy. In today’s understanding think of the most notorious public figure you know. Now picture Jesus going to his or her home, sitting poolside with them and having some real good fellowship. Think of what the media would do with that. In voicing their displeasure at Jesus’ choice the Jews were in essence saying that Zaccheus only deserved God’s wrath and punishment. I think of how many times I’ve had those same feelings for someone. It makes me wonder if this example of Jesus had been shown in the early lives of the John Dillengers, Al Capones, Joseph Stalins and Adolf Hitlers of history what would I read of them now? Grace heals.
I know Jesus had a heart for the people just like the ones around me today. I still suffer a hesitancy to sit down with “sinners” and just be their friend. But wouldn’t Jesus sit down with me knowing what a stinker I have been in my past and still can be? Being the friends of the publicans of our day is what Christ calls me to do. How will those who hunger and thirst after righteousness taste of it unless I bring the Bread of Life to their table? Those who tastes of the Lord all say He is good. I have found for myself He has become a refuge and a blessing as I have partaken of His mercies. Jesus Christ has always been a friend of those who could easily demonstrate qualities of ruthless behavior. Jesus is a friend to us all.
Ken
Devotionstoday.blogspot.com
So when Jesus said He was going into the home of one of these people many in the crowd around him were dismayed that He would have any personal dealings with such a dirty guy. In today’s understanding think of the most notorious public figure you know. Now picture Jesus going to his or her home, sitting poolside with them and having some real good fellowship. Think of what the media would do with that. In voicing their displeasure at Jesus’ choice the Jews were in essence saying that Zaccheus only deserved God’s wrath and punishment. I think of how many times I’ve had those same feelings for someone. It makes me wonder if this example of Jesus had been shown in the early lives of the John Dillengers, Al Capones, Joseph Stalins and Adolf Hitlers of history what would I read of them now? Grace heals.
I know Jesus had a heart for the people just like the ones around me today. I still suffer a hesitancy to sit down with “sinners” and just be their friend. But wouldn’t Jesus sit down with me knowing what a stinker I have been in my past and still can be? Being the friends of the publicans of our day is what Christ calls me to do. How will those who hunger and thirst after righteousness taste of it unless I bring the Bread of Life to their table? Those who tastes of the Lord all say He is good. I have found for myself He has become a refuge and a blessing as I have partaken of His mercies. Jesus Christ has always been a friend of those who could easily demonstrate qualities of ruthless behavior. Jesus is a friend to us all.
Ken
Devotionstoday.blogspot.com
