51-Zacchaeus-A

And We Thought We Knew You:
Soul Journey With the Real Jesus

Zacchaeus
OUTCAST MEETS OUTCAST

BC 30-20
Somewhere in Palestine

�� No one likes Zacchaeus.� Not now.� Not even as a teenager.� Actually he's an outcast.� At first he was okay, before his anyone realized he was going to be different.� But after the way he turned out, well....

�� You've got to be tough to get along in the world these days.� A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do.� If you don't stand up for yourself, no one else will.

�� Zacchaeus never wanted to admit the world was like this.� He used to trust people.� He doesn't any more.

�� When he was growing up, he went to synagogue with his mother.� His father didn't go.� Zacchaeus did well in synagogue.� People accepted him.� He won perfect attendance praise year after year.� Those were good times.� Back when he was a boy.

�� When he was growing up, he did okay in synagogue school while he was real young.� But when it became evident he was going to be shorter than most, if not all, the other boys, kids started making fun of him.� And he was the last one picked for teams if they had races or other competitive games.� As he got older, he had a hard time being accepted by both boys and girls.

�� So he tried to compensate with his wits.� Actually, he became an eccentric of sorts.� For instance, he would pop jokes while the rabbi was teaching or everyone was supposed to be quietly reading their assignment.� Sent to the back of the room lots of times.

�� But his eccentricities weren't all bad.� He was determined to be the smartest one in class.� That made some of the others mad.� He didn't care.� They were just jealous.� At least he was the best at something.

�� And he was a genius at earning money.� During his first year at synagogue school, his mother would give him a clump of grapes for lunch.� He would offer to sell each grape separately for a mite.� The kids paid it too.� When he was in his third year, he found a small stream in a shallow cave that had agates in it but didn't tell anyone.� He panned for them all summer.� Then in the fall he would sell them for a hefty price.

�� By the time he was ready for a serious apprenticeship, his father died.� He decided to learn banking.� No one was surprised.� Still, he didn't have the money lots of other guys did with fathers and good jobs.� Sure, he had ways of earning extra money on his own, but he still couldn't afford the latest clothes, have a decent looking donkey, and impress the girls.� He had to give part of his money to his mother to help support her.

�� It was a little harder for him to make top appraisals.� Partly because he had to work a second job, and partly because of what was going on.� Lots of others bought the answers to tests, but not Zacchaeus.� He sacrificed being top in his group of apprentices for scruples.� His synagogue would be proud of him.

�� But somehow it did not work out like that.� The older he got, the more he was overlooked for leadership roles even at synagogue.� The bigger guys, the better looking and better dressed guys got asked.� The beautiful people.� Not Zacchaeus.� Overlooked more and more.

�� His apprenticeship in banking completed, Zacchaeus headed out job hunting.� He was determined no one was going to keep him down.� He had worked hard to hold his head up all his life, and he wasn't about to stop now.� The big banking associations turned him down.� The elite importers and exporters turned him down.� But Zacchaeus knew he was good.� So he persisted.

BC 5
Jerusalem, Judea

�� Finally Zacchaeus got his break.� He was offered a job collecting taxes.� Good pay.� Job security.� Respect by the Romans.

�� Little did he care by this time that he would be looked down on by most people.� Looked down on as a traitor.� How dare he work for the occupation government?� But would he lose his friends?� He hardly had anyone to call friend.� He had little to lose, and much to gain. [1]

�� Now his mother could quit work.� Now he and she could move into a better house.� Now he could get decent transportation.� He had good side benefits with his new job too.� The Romans appreciated his gifts. [2]

�� But his synagogue rejected him.� Excommunicated him actually.� The sin of working with the Roman government was unpardonable.� Those foreigners were against their religion and everyone knew it.� They were all atheists or pagans and everyone knew that too.� He had gone too far. [3]

�� Nevertheless, Zacchaeus worked hard through the years.� He developed a good reputation on the job.� The Roman pagans and atheists did not care what he looked like, as long as he got results.� Occasionally he was given more territory and more responsibility.� Finally he was put in charge of all the tax collectors in Judea. [4]

�� Part of the job included kickbacks from tax collectors of lesser stature, so to speak.� They weren't exactly illegal.� The customs agents under him were required to charge enough taxes so there was not only enough for them to live off of, but there was a certain percentage for Zacchaeus to keep him from moving into their territory himself.� It was up to them to charge the people enough to cover all "expenses."� Zacchaeus did not care what anyone called it.� What did they care about him?

�� Now and then Zacchaeus and his mother would get into a heated discussion about it, though.

�� "It's the common people who ultimately pay all of you."

�� "It's not my fault they live under the Romans."

�� "At least you shouldn't treat the widows like that."

�� "You can't pick and choose, Mother."

�� "Don't forget I'm a widow."

�� "And that money bought you that white mule last year.� The one they say descended from David's." [5]

�� "In that case, I'm not riding it any more."

�� "You can't get around without it, Mother."

�� "Oh yes, I can.� I walked everywhere before you got all high and mighty and rich, and I can do it again."

�� So she did.

�� Zacchaeus had mixed emotions about his mother.� He admired her audacity.� He also thought she was foolish sometimes.� Eccentric, but foolish.

Still Zacchaeus had to admit where he inherited his own eccentric nature. The same trait that led him to invest in the search for a short cut to India.� And in a scheme to create a new currency in Persia.� And in reservations for the first excursion up the Danube River into the land of the barbarians.

�� It was through his job, however, that he met Matthew.� They met in Jerusalem his eleventh year on the job.� Matthew was a new-hire, but, even though somewhat younger, quite likeable.� Zacchaeus liked Matthew.� Matthew had scruples too.� Kind of.� His mother would like that.� He had limits on just how far he'd go to cheat people.� One had to admire that in a man.� Self-control.

�� But Matthew was from up north in Galilee, so they only saw each other once a year at one national Temple feast or another.

AD 27
The Province of Perea

�� It is after one of those feasts that Zacchaeus hears about a man somewhere up in Galilee turning water into wine at a wedding.� People call the story a hoax.� Zacchaeus thinks it would make some man rich if it could really be done.� He dismisses the thought with a grunt. [6]

�� A couple weeks later while Zacchaeus is on a fact-finding mission to Perea, he notices a crowd between the highway and the river.�

�� "What's going on?" he asks.

�� "It's John the Baptizer."

�� "John the what?"

�� "Shhhh!"

�� Zacchaeus works his way up along the edge of the crowd until he can see the speaker for himself.� Another eccentric.� Where are his clothes?� He's wearing fur and leather!� This John is worth hearing out.

�� "So you're saying, John, that there will be a new kingdom of God established soon."

�� "That's right."

�� "Aren't you talking treason?"

�� "Oh, no.� It will co-exist with the present government.� It will be a spiritual nation.� It won't interfere with the status quo at all.� Actually, it will make people better citizens."

�� "I understand the king of that new kingdom has been named."

�� "Yes, he is Jesus of Nazareth in Galilee."

�� "No one ever heard of him."

�� "You will."

�� "Isn't Jesus that quack who claims he turned water into wine up in Galilee?"

�� "That's right.� Except he really did do it."

�� "Come on, now, John.� You'll ruin your reputation hooking up with a guy like that."

�� "I can only tell you the truth.� This man is from God.� He can do the miraculous. �He performed this miracle to prove he is from God.� What better proof could there be than a miracle?"

�� Zacchaeus thinks about it all the way home.� What a great idea!� Now who do I know up in Galilee who could verify it?

�� Upon returning home, he sits down and writes a message to his friend, Matthew.�

�� "Greetings from Zacchaeus in Jerusalem.� It is my understanding that someone up in Galilee turned water into wine at a big wedding.� I heard it was in Cana.� Try to verify it.� If it turns out to be true, find the man who did it.� Get close to him.� Find out how he did it.� I'll cut you in.� Yes, you can be a junior partner with me in the greatest business since the discovery of wine."

Capernaum, Galilee

�� Two days later Matthew receives the message.� He smiles and shakes his head knowingly.�

�� "He never misses a trick, that Zacchaeus," he mutters as he rolls up the scroll.�

�� "What did you say?"� It's little brother James.

�� "Zacchaeus wants me to check out the rumor that someone turned water into wine over in Cana.� I'll be a laughing stock taking a story like that seriously."

�� "You never did anything unless it would benefit you.� So?"

�� "He's going to cut me in."

�� "He'd be the majority owner, of course."

�� "Well, true.� But he has more financial backing than I do.� Besides, he could cause a lot of trouble for me on my job."

�� "Way up here in Galilee?"

�� "Definitely."

Jerusalem, Judea

�� Weeks have gone by and Zacchaeus has heard nothing from Matthew.� The messenger assured him that he delivered the message to the right person.� He writes another letter.

�� "Greetings to Matthew from Zacchaeus.� I assume by your silence that the rumor about the water and wine turned out, indeed, to be a hoax after all.� Please verify."

�� A week later, Zacchaeus receives his reply.

�� "Greetings to Zacchaeus from Matthew.� I cannot oblige you.� It is true that the water was turned into wine.� The man who did it was Jesus of Nazareth.� However, his technique was not what you would expect.� Please try to take seriously what I am about to tell you, because I say it with all seriousness.� I pledge before Almighty God that it is the truth.� Sir, it was a miracle.� There were no tricks.� And his powers cannot be purchased."

�� Zacchaeus rerolls the scroll.� Matthew has changed.� He is not sure how.� Or why.� His letter did not sound like him.� Zacchaeus is disappointed.� This had been a sure thing and he almost had it by the tail.� Turning water into wine.� They could have made a fortune.� More of a fortune than they already have.� Down the drain.�

�� Oh well.� Other opportunities will come along.� Such is life.

�� It is summer.� Zacchaeus is looking through a pile of scrolls left for him by the message service.� He reads some, glances at others, throws others aside without reading.� One he almost throws aside; it is an updated list of tax collectors around Palestine.� His eye catches a familiar name, Matthew.� He has resigned.

�� A few days later he sees a tax man from Galilee.

�� "Do you know Matthew up in Capernaum."

�� "I sure do.� I used to work with him."

�� "What do you mean you used to?"

�� "He is crazy.� He left a good job and security to follow some guy named Jesus.� Claims he is going to be the next king of Palestine.� Matthew has joined the campaign trail with him.� Matthew actually believes him.� He's going to end up jailed for treason.� I feel sorry for his family." [7]

�� Zacchaeus, hoping the best for Matthew, tries to interpret.� "But I heard he was going to be a spiritual king of some kind."

�� "What's spiritual?"

�� "Beats me.� But I heard from John the Baptizer it didn't involve overthrowing the present government."

�� "We'd better hope it doesn't.� For Matthew's sake."

�� That night Zacchaeus scratches out a note to Matthew.

�� "Greetings from Zacchaeus to Matthew.� "What is going on?� You had a good job.� Did you get the secret to the wine after all and not tell me?� Do not leave me in the dark."

�� A week later a reply arrives.� "Greetings from Matthew to Zacchaeus.� Jesus is a descendant of our second king, David.� He is also a descendant of our nation's founder, Abraham.� He is the one predicted by our ancestors to be the king of all kings.� And he will save all mankind from our sins. [8]

�� "Jesus does perform miracles.� But he never takes money for it.� He heals the sick to prove he is from God.� Then he tells everyone how to live.� He goes beyond the legalism of our Temple leaders.� He teaches love for all mankind, no matter what nationality.� He accepts even the foreign occupation government.� He is indeed God sent." [9]

�� Zacchaeus reads the scroll twice.� Then he takes it home with him.� A few days later while looking through his things, he spots the scroll.� Again he reads it, then throws it back on the pile.� Finally he sends Matthew a reply.� He is curious.� Something in Matthew's letter keeps nagging at him.� He accepts all nationalities.

�� If that Jesus accepts all nationalities....� If he does that....� Would he accept someone like Zacchaeus?� Would he have the courage to become a real friend?� He wants to know more.

�� It is the Passover.� There is a knock on Zacchaeus' door.

�� "Matthew!� Here for the Feast?� Come on in."

�� It is spring and the two sit out in Zacchaeus' concrete-pillared and paved courtyard.� They talk.� Mostly Matthew talks.� Zacchaeus becomes more and more curious.� He never knew Matthew was religious.� Matthew, too, becomes curious.� He never knew Zacchaeus was interested in religion.

�� "Yes, I was a real whiz in the scriptures when I was a kid. �Used to go to synagogue all the time.� You didn't know that, did you?� Then I went to work for the government, and you know what happened between the synagogue and me.":

�� Matthew, of course, does know.� It had happened to him also.� Happens to everyone who works for the foreigners.�

�� "Did I tell you about the Roman centurion?"

�� "What Roman centurion?� You don't mean Jesus had anything to do with a Roman?"

�� "Jesus healed his servant."

�� "He did what?"

�� "He even told him that his faith was greater than any of the Jews' faith." [10]

�� The more Zacchaeus hears about Jesus, the more he wants to know.

�� The two meet again the next day.

�� "I don't know," Zacchaeus finally concludes.� "He is too good to be true.� Can't trust those religious people.� Eventually they turn against you.� You know that, Matthew."

�� "Not this one, Zacchaeus.� He'll never turn against you.� In fact, they've treated Jesus the same way."

�� "Kicked him out of the synagogue?"

�� "Worse."

�� Matthew becomes somber.

�� "How bad, Matthew?"

�� "The religious leaders are trying to have him assassinated." [11]

�� Still Zacchaeus is not sure.� They part.� Matthew says he will keep him posted.

�� "Greetings to Zacchaeus from Matthew.� Great seeing you again in Jerusalem.� Momentum is building.� Jesus is telling people to love their enemies.� That's you and me, Zacchaeus.� they have to love us.� And he's saying that if we give up our treasures on earth, we will have even more treasures than we ever dreamed possible in heaven.� Quite an investment plan, wouldn't you say?" [12]

AD 29

�� "Greetings to Zacchaeus from Matthew.� I just received your reply and questions, even though you sent it a few months ago.� We were gone on another tour.� Jesus has given me and his other eleven apostles the power.� The power to perform miracles in his name.� Zacchaeus, my world has turned upside down and it is amazing! [13]

�� "Still, it becomes more and more dangerous.� They executed John the Baptizer. [14]�� They're after Jesus next.� We left Galilee for a few months.� I'm sticking with him, Zacchaeus.� He accepts everyone unconditionally.� All we have to do is live to please God who made us and loves us like his children.� It does not matter what men think about it.� Jesus hopes our example will spread to the whole world.� Can't see you this year at Passover.� It is too dangerous.� We're going back into hiding ~ probably up around Syria somewhere." [15]

February AD 30
Jericho, Judea [16]

�� Zachariah has just been promoted.� He is now in charge of taxes for all of Palestine.� He left his mother behind, buried next to his father.� She lived a hard life for awhile.� But Zacchaeus feels he at least had the chance to repay her and give her a few comforts of life before she died.

�� He is in a real mansion now.� Almost like a palace.� The envy of everyone in the city.� All his loyalty through the years has paid off.� Power.� Prestige.� Wealth.� He has it all. [17]

�� A butler comes in to serve breakfast.

�� "Did you hear the news?"

�� "Well, I can bet you're about to make sure I do," Zacchaeus responds unimpressed.� "So what is it?� Someone had twins or triplets?� The olympic games are coming to Jericho?� Someone climbed to the peak of the Temple?"

�� "A man was brought back to life."

�� Zacchaeus doubts he should take it seriously.� "Did the guy have a name?"

�� "Yes, Lazarus."

�� "Lazarus?� I know Lazarus!"

�� "Everybody knows Lazarus.� He had been dead four days."

�� Zacchaeus smells a rat.� "That's not possible!"

�� "I was there, sir.� He was dead four days.� I know."

�� "You must have been mistaken."

�� "I was there when he came back to life.� He came right out of the tomb completely bound with the grave bands.� His head was completely bound.� There were seventy-five pounds of embalming spices in those bands."

�� This time Zacchaeus does not respond.� It is too much to respond to.� He just stares at his servant.

�� "I saw it with my own eyes.� Jesus of Nazareth brought him back to life."

�� "Jesus?"

�� "I have a friend who works with Jesus."

�� "They say he will be going into Jerusalem in the next few days for the takeover.� He'll be the new king."

�� Breakfast is served and neither says anything more about it.

�� Zacchaeus does not get much work done that morning.� He wonders about his job security.� He wonders about Matthew.� He wonders about the prophecies.� He wonders what the difference is between the spiritual kingdom of God and an earthly kingdom of Rome.� Will life in this part of the world be the same ever again?

�� But his fears are unfounded.� For now.� Jesus slips back out of the shadows of Jerusalem and reappears on this side of the Jordan.

�� Zacchaeus continues to hear about Jesus.� People follow him everywhere.� Since leaving the Jerusalem area, he hasn't performed any more miracles.� He is just warning people to get ready.� He down plays wealth.� He up plays sacrifice.

�� He also keeps telling people he is going to die soon.� But no one believes him.� They won't let it happen.� They'll protect him.� He is too popular among the people to die.� He must live.� Live to take over their country, and maybe even the entire world.

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