Observation: The story of Zacchaeus is only retold in the gospel of Luke. This is interesting, because it means that the eyewitnesses of the event had a different perspective on its significance than did a gentile writer doing research decades later.
As a Jewish tax collector working for Rome, Zacchaeus is labeled a "sinful man" by the other Jews. However, that is not the label Jesus gives him. Jesus calls him "lost". God - and therefore Jesus - do not overlook sin, so therefore it seems there is a difference of opinion about what it is that Zacchaeus is actually doing, and it likely involves the broad reputation of tax collectors. Some tax collectors would cheat the Jewish taxpayers, over collecting the taxes and skimming the surplus for themselves. This is, indeed, sinful. However, by the text itself, it seems Zacchaeus is not doing that. When he declares that he will give half his wealth to the poor AND repay four-fold anyone he has cheated ... well, that wouldn't be mathematically possible if Zacchaeus were rich because of sinful cheating.
While Zacchaeus is 'sinful' insomuch that all humans are sinful, he was not rich due to his sin. Due to his profession, he was labeled sinful by the Jews, but Jesus understood that Zacchaeus was really just "lost" ... he was living a life outside of faith in Yahweh. Zacchaeus was drawn to Jesus, quickly agreed to host him, and had a complete change in heart by this meeting, because Jesus created a way for Zacchaeus to be "found" ... to enter a life acceptable to Yahweh.
Those watching the event saw a typical bad person repent. However, decades later, a gentile researching the facts understood that what really happened was that a typical 'normal' person who didn't have God in their life was offered the chance to allow God into their life, and that offer changed him forever.
Application: This may be nuanced ... or it may be massively differentiating ... but this thought process today makes me think that there is a major difference between trying to reach people for Jesus who are actively rebelling against the Lord through sinful lives and even championing the causes of sin, and reaching those who are just "lost" and wandering through life, trying to do their best to just live in this world, without any connection to God.
In addition, it makes me think that we as Christians need to be careful about labeling the latter as the former. There is a distinction between people who structure their lives as a pursuit of sin, and those who structure their lives as just normal people living in the world as they find it, but without knowledge of the Lord and faith in Jesus.
We all sin. We can all be labeled "sinful". I make mistakes daily that result in sin, and I am so thankful for the forgiveness and redemption I receive through faith in Jesus. However, for those without faith, there are many who are just "lost", and maybe all they need is to be found and invited to dinner ... into a life where they discover the love, hope, and acceptance of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, as we meditate this day and this weekend on your greatest gift, your sacrifice on the cross and resurrection that opened the way for our forgiveness and reconciliation and salvation, may be keep in our hearts the lost of this world. They don't know you, and even if they did they don't feel accepted by you. Help us show them differently, and guide them to discovering you. May thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment