A Wee Little Man

Day 108: Luke 19:1-27

'And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."' - Luke 19:9-10 ESV

I don't have a whole lot of experience being a short man or a notorious extorting mob boss. Still, I do remember being a middle schooler that was invited to practice with the varsity basketball team. It wasn't fun.

Zaccheus was the most hated man in his city. He was not only a star employee of the Roman empire, but he was also taking extra for himself, which resulted in him being a man of the coin (wealthy). Archaeologists have uncovered skeletons in Palestine that date back to the first century (the time of Jesus). The average height of a male was around 5'1". This would put our man Zaccheus somewhere around 4'4" or smaller.

If teams were being chosen for kickball, this man would have been the last to be picked in Jericho.

Jesus was the best (and still is) at looking past appearances and seeing people for who they both could be and really are desiring. He knew Zaccheus was ready to make a change.

Who have you been noticing that seems ready for a change? Maybe it's time you invite them over for a meal (perhaps inviting yourself over is too intense) and tell them about the One who saved your soul and wants to do the same for them.