One Hit Wonder

Zacchaeus

“A Family Saved”
Luke 19

Who doesn’t hate paying taxes? To give a percentage of your earnings to a tax collector who is overcharging you is an insult. On top of that, what would you think if such a man was wealthy? Off your earnings? It’s enough to make you throw stones or bury him alive. That’s the way Jews felt toward their fellow brother, Zacchaeus, the tax collector.

To better understand what the Jews were up against, you need to know how tax collection was administered. The Romans contracted tax collections to the highest bidder in a public auction. Tax collectors, or publicans, kept any and all monies over the amount of their bids. At times, many tax collectors took these monies from fellow citizens by force and taking more than required. This imposed not only a financial hardship on Jews, but due to the ruthless tactics used to collect the monies, it also made them fearful for their safety and the safety of their families.

When Jesus met Zacchaeus as He traveled through Jericho, many of Jesus’ followers couldn’t understand why He would talk to Zacchaeus. And when He announced He would be a guest in Zacchaeus’ home, the Jews grumbled and complained. (Luke 19:7) They were insulted and angry beyond words.

But as we look at Jesus’ ministry, we begin to understand He came to save the lost. If anyone was in need of saving, it would have been Zacchaeus. We are called to be indiscriminate in our mission to preach the gospel. Sometimes we shy away from preaching the gospel to those of stature, or scum of the earth, depending on your point of view.

Zacchaeus’ encounter with Jesus excited him and resulted in his giving back to the people four fold. He also promised to right any other wrongs he had done. (Luke 19:8) Jesus saved his entire house, healing them from the pollution of their past sins. (Luke 19:9) That’s significant!

What’s keeping you from speaking the Word? Are you missing an opportunity to save an entire household? You’d be surprise who is listening and ready to obey. Think about it.

Donna B. Comeaux
Freelance Writer, Author, Poet

REMEMBER: To hear the sermon on Zacchaeus, go to PARKPLAZA.ORG, Click on “Ministries,” scroll to the bottom of the page and Click on “Listen to Sermons Online.” Choose whatever sermon you would like to hear, or choose this week’s lesson. Sunday’s sermons are posted online the following Thursday. This sermon is available for viewing Thursday, September 11, 2013. There is NO sign-in and NO registration.