GOOD GUIDES LOve people (essay 3, part 2)

PEOPLE PERSON: Jesus loved people

“Dogs are good. People are crazy.”
​Unknown

In Luke 19 we find the only account in the Gospels of a strange little man named Zaccheaus.
In 10 short verses, Zacchaeus’ reputation went down in infamy. Forever. . . 

• Chief tax collector in the region (Boo!!!!!)
• Rich and short
• Notorious
• Sinner
• A cheat

He even had a song written about him, likely sung by nearly 100 years of Sunday School goers.  Everyone knows about the wee little tax collector that climbed a sycamore tree so he could get a good look at Jesus.

And Jesus saw Zacchaeus.  In every possible way.

Now, in my imagination, Zacchaeus was very much like the miserly miserable Scrooge character in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. We know he was very unpopular.  Likely hated. Possibly friendless. 

Imagine being in the crowd following Jesus.  When Jesus calls attention to Zacchaeus, how would you react?  I 'm pretty sure I would laugh.  It would be humorous and oddly satisfying to see the little man who charged me too much for my tax return get called out from his hiding place by Jesus. (Way to go, Jesus!)

But then Jesus says something totally unexpected.  “Zach!  Guess what! We’re on our way to a party! It's at YOUR house. I’m coming to hang out with you!  Today. Let’s go. Hurry!”

This wee little, lonely, miserly man freezes to process what Jesus just said.  Then explodes in a giddy excitement.  “Jesus is going to be MY guest!”

Some in the crowd were not so excited.  “Why would Jesus go to HIS house?  I go to synagogue every Sunday!  I tithe!  I am a good person! Zach is a cheat and a traitor to his people!”

It’s a relatable question. Why WOULD Jesus choose Zacchaeus to visit? Again, if I Had been in the crowd following Jesus through town,  I’m awed by him. I am moved by his teaching.  And suddenly he is going to the home of,  someone I used to work for, but whom I could never respect.  And Jesus chooses that former boss of mine to hang out with.  Why him?

Aware of the unspoken questions of the people, Jesus answers them: “The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”  Before the night ended, Zach said to Jesus, “I will use my wealth to care for the poor, and make restitution (times 4) to everyone I’ve cheated.”

Jesus, whom I am certain was smiling and looking with joy into Zach’s eyes, said, “Salvation has come to this home.”

I think Jesus might revise that leading quote, “God is great. Dogs are good.  People are the apple of my eye!”  
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Father, may I see people as You see them.  May I go to the people that you would go to. May I love them as Jesus loves them.   May those I interact with feel your presence and experience your love flowing through me.  Even if they are a little crazy!” 
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GOD is GREAT

DOGS are GOOD

People are my Father's masterpiece. I love people.

GOOD GUIDES NOTICE NEEDS