Scripture to Read: Luke 19:1-2
This week, God is going to teach us through the life of a man named Zaccheus. Many of us remember the song we learned as children about Zaccheus. The song describes him as a “wee little man,” and how he “climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see.” But the song does not describe this about him, as we read in Luke 19:1–2, “He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich.” Jesus had entered Jericho, where Zaccheus lived, and we read that Zaccheus was not just a tax collector but a “chief tax collector.” A “chief tax collector” was the head of a local tax-collection operation. That lets us know that Zaccheus was the one who oversaw all the other tax collectors in his district. That also meant Zaccheus was in charge of handling all the money flowing up to Rome. Since tax collectors often charged people much more than what was required by the Roman government, this would turn out to be a very profitable income for the tax collectors and especially for the chief tax collector. Because tax collectors were nothing more than professional thieves, they were seen by most Jews as traitors, collaborators, and sinners. In other words, they were despised by most Jews because they worked for the Roman government and were corrupt. God tells us about Zaccheus so we’ll better understand His love for all of us and that none of us are beyond His reach.
Challenge & Application
What do we learn about Zaccheus and why is this important?
How could you use Zaccheus’ life to help a lost person see that they are not beyond the love, grace, and mercy of our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!