Zacchaeus Finds Hope in Jesus – and So Can We!

For weeks Zacchaeus kept hearing the news that Jesus of Nazareth, the preacher with the Galilean accent, was coming. Collecting taxes every day for the Roman empire, Zacchaeus lived a lonely life, rejected by all his neighbors, as well as having few friends. Yet, this preacher’s reputation fascinated Zacchaeus. He wondered about him.

Over the years Zacchaeus lost God, forgetting all the wonderful promises Yahweh made to his people. Zacchaeus wanted to believe again, but he gave up hope that belief always enkindles. He longed to hope again, but as a tax collector he saw only people’s dark side and little of their goodness. These daily confrontations with his Jewish neighbors, only deepened his dislike for his “customers.” He wondered if this Galilean preacher might help him to believe in hope once again.

Suddenly he heard shouts from the multitude of people gathering near the temple. Jesus, the admired young preacher, was preaching in the nearby shady garden plaza. Zacchaeus dropped everything and following the cheers and applause headed in the square’s direction.

When he arrived, he encountered an enormous gathering pressing upon Jesus. And yet, Zacchaeus saw that Jesus was effortlessly managing the enthusiastic crowds. To catch a better glimpse of this engaging preacher, he made the decision to climb the nearest sycamore tree.

Listening intently to Jesus words: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world, but suffer the loss of his soul.” Zacchaeus was stunned. Jesus’ words seemed aimed directly at him, and despite his piles of money, Zacchaeus’ life seemed empty and unrewarding. His years of squabbling, pilfering, cheating, and despair washed over him. Zacchaeus sagged hopelessly on his branch.

Suddenly he heard, “Zacchaeus come down.” He glanced around seeing Jesus looking directly at him. Uncertain, Zacchaeus pointed his finger at himself saying, “You mean me!” Again, he heard, “Zacchaeus come down.” Locking eyes with him, Jesus repeated: “Yes, come down. I wish to dine with you tonight.”

With that brief exchange Zacchaeus’s life was transformed. In despair, Zacchaeus climbed that tree, but he returned to the ground filled with hope. He thought, Despite this large crowd, Jesus called me wishing to dine with me, the town outcast. Amazed, Zacchaeus knew instantly that Jesus understood him and still wanted to dine with him.

Jesus’ gesture of seeing him amid the throngs of people, changed Zacchaeus’ despair into the bright light of hope. That day a changed Zacchaeus understood that a compassionate, all powerful God is still in charge of this world, and that his power is more important than money.

Zacchaeus felt loved again and the hope that Jesus brought to him that day long ago, continues today helping anyone who meets Jesus to start over and not to give up. When we keep hope alive we can endure any challenge life presents us. Despair can never overpower us. Jesus will always reach out calling our name wanting to dine with us. Like lonely Zacchaeus, that’s a hope we can depend on!

Hope exists in our hearts. It is a kind of well-spring which we dig into as we need it on our journey. -Richard Rohr