Luke 19:1-2
King James Version
19 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus,
which was the chief among the publicans,
and he was rich.
It's worth noting here, the sycamore tree.
For it was my very first, Biblical TREE encounter in grade school.
Where the Catholic nuns told us of tiny man Zacchaeus.
And of how he scrambled up a sycamore tree, so he can see JESUS.
A funny, but heartening story, indeed.
One of my favorites, for sure.
Because it's so "human".
Here's the story of that encounter:
Luke 19:2-3
King James Version
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus,
which was the chief among the publicans,
and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was;
and could not for the press,
because he was little of stature.
No one can beat this man's zeal.
Luke 19:4
King James Version
4 And he ran before,
and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him:
for he was to pass that way.
Of course, JESUS knew where Zaccheus was.
Luke 19:5-10
King James Version
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up,
and saw him, and said unto him,
Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down;
for to day I must abide at thy house.
You can imagine the tiny, big-hearted man's delight.
Luke 19:6
King James Version
6 And he made haste, and came down,
and received him joyfully.
JESUS didn't care what others thought.
Luke 19:7
King James Version
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying,
That he was gone to be guest with a man
that is a sinner.
Zacchaeus proudly "reports" to JESUS.
Luke 19:8
King James Version
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord:
Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor;
and if I have taken any thing
from any man by false accusation,
I restore him fourfold.
Of course, JESUS knew, and was pleased.
Luke 19:9-10
King James Version
9 And Jesus said unto him,
This day is salvation come to this house,
forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek
and to save that which was lost.
Should a film be made, only ONE actor can play the part of Zacchaeus.
Roly-poly, funny man Danny DeVito is perfect for the role.
More tree articles here.
Related material:
Image: Free Bible Images
