So I’ve read about Zacchaeus before… the story several times actually. It’s a common Sunday school lesson. A fun one to think about. Today however, I read it as never before. When I looked at the verse above I realized how BOLD this part of the story is to me. We often think, oh he climbed a tree to see Jesus because his faith was so strong. That is indeed awesome.

But here is the kicker. Zacchaeus just wanted to SEE Jesus. He had no expectation of bringing him to his home. Yet when Jesus told him to come down and he would dine at his home, Zacchaeus felt JOY and EXCITEMENT! Do you know what I think I would have felt in that moment. Oh man I gotta go clean up my house right now!! I’ve got to get anything sinful out of it and make it spotless, and then I’ll allow Jesus to enter. But that’s not what Zacchaeus did. He took him right to his home with joy and excitement.

Was Zacchaeus blameless and holy and that’s why he was fine just bringing Jesus to his house right then? Absolutely not! In the next few verses we see:

Zacchaeus literally had stolen money in his home. It was probably covered in things he had bought with stolen wealth. He didn’t hide who he was. He came to Jesus just as he was. He repented and welcomes Jesus into his home and life.

I’m not leaving out the part where Jesus shames him for his past deeds, it’s simply not there. He came to find us just as we were. He came to seek and save those that are lost. Don’t miss out on incredible blessing because you are too busy trying to clean up your shame. Jesus can help you with that. If only you’ll take him into your home.