Dining with Sinners

“But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious ^[1] sinner,” they grumbled.” ^{Luke 19:7 NLT}

 

          This is the story of Zacchaeus, a Jewish tax collector for the Roman Government. He was not welcome in common social circles and despised by the general populous for as the text says, Zacchaeus was a “notorious sinner”He was short in physical stature, so when Jesus came to town and was walking by, he scrambled up a nearby tree to catch a glimpse of this supposed Messiah. When Jesus spied Zacchaeus up in the tree, He told him to come down for He would be coming to his house for a meal. The crowd, no doubt predominately Jewish, was not happy with Jesus’ choice.

          Our chosen verse is interesting because it tells us Jesus decided to dine with an ungodly man and his family. Jesus could have chosen anyone in the crowd, but he chose to call out a man that was despised and despicable. This shines a light on Luke 5:31-32, where Jesus said: “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

            The verse also shows us the predetermined nature of this tax collector. Zacchaeus was a Jew who was employed by the governing body (the Romans), who were Gentiles, a group that was despised by the Jews. For this reason Zacchaeus was doubly hated. They judged him by what job he had without knowing the man at all. 

            Have you ever shunned someone because of externals, without knowing them? I sure have. Trust me, God knows everything about us … therefore He knows this too. Nothing we think, say, or do shocks or surprises the Lord. We don’t need to be concerned with the external appearance of anyone. Our goal is to be Christ-like in this life. We will fail in this endeavor more times than not. Perfection happens to be unattainable this side of heaven; however, that should never be a reason NOT to strive for it.  Pray for the spiritual ability to see others just as God sees them. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

 

[1] Notorious - widely and unfavorably known; disreputable; infamous.