This story follows a story of a blind man. Two men want to see, one physically blind, one morally blind. The name, Zaccheus,  is ironic as it means clean or innocent-the last person who should have that name. Z may be  small inside and out? I imagine Z to look like Danny DeVito. Apparently a good deal of prejudice was directed at the very small.  Climbing a tree was considered undignified for an adult. Z and the publican both are seeking God. We are in the interesting position where the rich Z is a social outcast to some degree.  What draws Z to Jesus? Z may well be eager to do a lot for the poor as opposed to the rich young ruler. Both the  blind beggar and Z attain  spiritual insight. The sycamore is different than our sycamore had figs, an evergreen one could reach (Amos 7;14) here is a  rich guy is climbing a tree for the poor.  He rejoiced in coming down. when Jesus says must that is a divine imperative- Jesus announces salvation has come to this house ( himself or what)-

 

Some think Z is protesting that he indeed does good. this might be  resolve to follow biblical principles. Paying back double was for the law in Num. 5:7, the big number for animals. The "if" in Z's words bothers some of us. If Z is repenting, he is going to follow the regulations and pay back money to those whom he defrauded. For those of us who are more suspicious, he could be saying in the future, I will make restitution, or a broad statement, if, if I defrauded anyone (not that I ever did) then I will pay them back more than what I owe. Z was seeking a but so was Jesus. For us in a culture of religious choice, God is the seeker for us-Today is a word of emphasis the issue of restitution and forgiveness-"giving back" I realize that we cannot ever make full restitution, but we can make a start. Few things show taking responsibility as much as it does. First, it obviously means paying back funds. Second, it seeks to try to make up for the emotional impact of a wrong. In legal settings it is not only compensatory but even punitive. I would extend it and ask us to consider trying to make restitution when we have wronged someone. We have the quick phrase kiss and make up. Restitution is a serious way to try to make up. It is a sign of sincerity. Men buy candy and flowers as a sign of trying to make up. What do women bring when they hurt the feelings of their spouse? We don;t have symbols of trying to make up as much as we could

 

It is big surprise that Z gets picked. The long sweep of salvation history points to this little guy. This would be as if we received a vision that

LINDSAY Lohan, or colts punter Pat Macafee or Donald Trump was to receive special divine favor. Of course, all the people grumble/murmur, that word for complaining in the wilderness, that word of putting God to the test. In large part, the complaint would go, why Z and not us. Why Z and not me? There must be something not right about Jesus if he would invite himself to share some time with Z. The grumbling comes from the same instinct that angers the elder brother and pushes the Pharisee into an arrogant prayer. We claim god's gift of salvation extends to everybody, but we would still like to pick and choose those on the inside. That attitude puts us precisely in the role of the judgmental in the gospels, so places us in need of the grace. Today in worship once again we all hear the words salvation has come to this house, today.