Zaccheus Climbs A Tree

In Jericho lived a rich man names Zaccheus, who was the head tax collector. When news came that Jesus was passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem, Zaccheus wanted more then anything else to see this wonderful man.

Zaccheus stood with the crowd gathered beside the road, but he could see nothing. He was to short to see over the heads of the people. Down the road he ran and climbed into a sycamore tree. Now he could surely see Jesus.

Soon travelers going to Jerusalem came along the road. The people of Jericho watched eagerly to catch a glimpse of Jesus. On the travelers walked until they came to the sycamore tree. Here Jesus and his disciples stood still. Jesus looked up and saw Zaccheus.

"Zaccheus," called Jesus, "come down at once, for today I must stop at your house."

How surprised Zaccheus was! Now he could take Jesus home and talk with him. Joyfully Zaccheus led the way. As they went, others followed. Some found fault because Jesus was stopping in the home of a tax collector whom they called a sinful man. The Pharisees would not enter such a house. They hated sinners.

Zaccheus' heart was changed by Jesus' kind words. He told Jesus, "Behold Lord, I will give half my goods to the poor. And if I have taken more from any man than I should, I will give it back four times as much as I took."

Jesus was glad to hear Zaccheus say that. Jesus answered, today salvation is come to your house, for the Son of man is come to save those who are lost."

Oh how happy Zaccheus was to see the savior! When everyone else thought he was such a terrible man the Lord Jesus did not forsake him. He walked with him and the Bible stated he had supped, or had dinner in his house. Praise God he sees the heart and can cure sin sickness. He is still saving all that will call upon him.