Conclusion of Jesus Teaches At Jerhicho

However, when people see what is happening, they all begin grumbling. They consider it improper for Jesus to be the guest of such a man. You see, Zacchaeus became rich by dishonest extorting money in his tax-collecting business.

Many people follow, and when Jesus enters into the home of Zacchaeus, they complain: "With a man that is a sinner he went in to lodge." Yet Jesus sees in Zacchaeus the potential for repentance. And Jesus is not disappointed, for Zacchaeus stands up and announces: "Look! the half of my belongings, Lord, I am giving to the poor, and whatever I extorted from anyone by false accusation I am restoring fourfold."

Zacchaeus proves that his repentance is genuine by giving half of his belongings to the poor by using the other half to pay back those he cheated. Apparently he can calculate from his tax records just how much he owes these persons. So he vows to make a fourfold restoration, in keeping with God's law that says: 'In case a man should steal a sheep, he is to compensate with four of the flock for the sheep.'

Jesus is pleased with the way that Zacchaeus promises to dispense his belongings, for he says: "This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man cam to seek and to save what was lost."

Recently, Jesus had illustrated the situation of 'the lost' with his story about the prodigal son. Now we have a real-life example of a lost one who has been found. Even though the religious leaders and those who follow them mutter and complain about Jesus' attention of persons like Zacchaeus, Jesus continues to look for and restore these lost sons of Abraham. Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-19:10; Exodus 22:1.

Next time: The Illustration Of The Minas

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991