Luke 19: 1-10
Jesus met Bartemaeus and restored his sight as He approached Jericho. Now as Jesus is going through this same city a small man named Zaccheus heard that Jesus was coming and is so excited to see Him he climbs a tree to get a better look. I'm sure he never dreamed Jesus would ever stop and single him out of the crowd. Zaccheus was a chief tax collector, meaning he managed other tax collectors. He was very wealthy and here Jesus shows that even though someone is rich, with God salvation is still possible. Jesus had recently been teaching on this, what a divine example of the transformation process that can take place. Zaccheus went from someone who trusted in his wealth to someone who trusted in God. When we completely place our faith in God He changes our hearts, which begins to transform our lives. There is no better example regarding salvation and the changes it can make in your life than Zaccheus, his heart is open to Jesus, he seeks after him, Jesus calls him by name and Jesus signifies his acceptance into the Kingdom by inviting Himself into Zaccheus' home to eat. Then here is the transformation and it was immediate...Zaccheus determines to give to the poor half of all his possessions and immediately desires to repay those he has stolen from. He also pays back to them four times as much in interest as he has stolen. Jesus affirms his salvation and calls him a son of Abraham. Zaccheus didn't allow his money or position to keep him from Jesus and because of his faith, which was evident by giving to the poor and making restitution for his wrong doings (not easy things to do) Jesus welcomed him into the Kingdom.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Eph 2:8
"He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward him for what he has done." Proverbs 19:17
