Unvarnished Jesus: A Lenten JourneyMuestra

Saturday, March 23

Luke 19:1–10

Jesus and Zacchaeus

Tax collectors were Jewish collaborators with the Roman occupiers who were formally excluded from Jewish religious life. They were the ultimate persona non grata, and as such they were the ultimate example of Jesus’ table practice of radical hospitality. So when Jesus came to Jericho, he dined, not with the Pharisees, but with Zacchaeus — the chief tax collector. And before the meal was over, Zacchaeus had pledged to amend his ways, right his wrongs, and give half his wealth to the poor. Jesus commented on Zacchaeus’ repentance by saying, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Salvation is not a mere change in status, but a real transformation. And this is what Jesus brings into our lives when we will sincerely receive Him.