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Jesus and Zacchaeus

“Okay, this is how you do it. You have one dynamic in private and another in public.” As a child, teen, and young adult, I learned to do whatever got me applause and hide what others might not appreciate. My achievements got me noticed, but inside I wondered how people would feel if they knew the real me. The pattern continued into adulthood.

Most of us play the part and do the dance to get acceptance. Wouldn’t it be great if we could go to a safe place where just being who we are is enough? How do we find such grace?

Let’s look at a familiar story. On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus went through Jericho. He had gained fame as a teacher and healer. Large crowds followed Him. Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector in the region, had become very rich by robbing his own people. His public persona was wealthy and powerful. Privately, however, Zacchaeus was an outcast. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. In first-century Judaism, being short was seen as a punishment from God. Shortness was one of several physical deformities preventing a person from entering the Temple (Leviticus 21:20).

Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a tree beside the road. When Jesus came by, He looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name (Zacchaeus means “pure one”). Out of the crowd, Jesus chose the short swindler who was convinced God had rejected him.

Jesus insisted on going to Zacchaeus’ house. It was like saying, “I affirm all that you are. Your reputation can become my reputation.” That was the custom, and everyone got it. The people grumbled, but Zacchaeus took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. He was transformed. He even stood before the Lord and promised to give half his wealth to the poor and to restore fourfold anyone he’d cheated, far beyond what the Law required.

Why the dramatic change? Because Zacchaeus had experienced Jesus at the deepest level—in his core beliefs. Jesus never addressed Zacchaeus’ sin. He met Zacchaeus’ deepest need and gave him grace. That’s what grace does for us, too. When we realize we are fully known and embraced by Jesus, we are transformed.