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Luke 19:1-10 Jesus and tax is a major study that many fail to recognise because it doesn't touch or excite the taste buds as much as say healing or walking on water. However, if we dig a little deeper, it is easily identifiable that tax, taxation and tax collectors, for Jesus, allowed Him to show us that that there was a new Kingdom at work that refuses to be subject to a world in which some choose to reside. Much of leadership, even church activity, exists in a world where our progress and development is restricted by ceilings that are inherent and not Godly. Much of our practice limits our paradigm due to that which we have been shown by previous generations. Many of our hopes are dictated to by what we perceive are society's expectations of us. Yet. Zaccheaus. Here is a passage from scripture that leads me to believe that even the restrictive world of taxation actually recognises that economics, manmade structures, afluence or even career prostects don't offer enough hope. I dare say that, even though we may not know it, the world is pinning its hopes on Jesus and His followers! We all know the story of Zacchaeus.  | | a well told story |
Whether it be from Kid's Church or stories at school. As Jesus is entering Jericho, a city with a history of being conquered by God's mobilised people, there was a man named Zaccheaus. There was also a man named Bob, Fred, Moses and Jonathan (probably!), but it is Zaccheaus that is highlighted out of a city of people. This Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector who was scorned by many due to his scheming ability to get rich using loop holes and government scams that the people resented. Scripture leads us to believe that, even though Zaccheaus had financial stature and clout, he was small in physique. Interesting isn't it that many of the people that hold the purse strings to our cities are not the big shots but the small retiring folk that don't attract much attention. Not seen and yet carry much influence. Zaccheaus knew when something was happening in town, maybe due to his contacts, and he desperately wanted to get a look at this Jesus. Again, we have found here at BCC that our city is most interested in Jesus. Much of the activity that is deemed Christian has previously put them off but when they get a whiff of the real thing they show a real interest. They even put themselves out to get a sneak preview! A real lesson here is that we must stop protecting our past and must again realise what it is to be the Body of Christ. The world is desperate for a glimpse! Zaccheaus climbs a sycamore tree.  | | a sycamore tree |
In Eygpt and Palastine sycamore trees carry great significance and are seen as a sign of great importance. Maybe it could be said that Zaccheaus was actually desperate to gain Jesus' attention and used the most significant situation he could find to stand upon. Amos was a 'Sycamore Shepherd' and was responsible for tending the sycamore trees. Interesting how Amos' name has an associated meaning of 'Burden'. Again, here we can see a hurting world carrying a burden and desperately trying to get the attention of Jesus. Now, we can agree and say that Jesus gave His life for every Zaccheaus that is in our city, which He did, but please, we must not miss the challenge - it is the Church, us, who are called to be Christ's ambassadors. Our city is desperately searching with nothing to focus on. All they are after is a glimpse. Can they see us? Do we create enough of a noise, murmur or disturbance in the city to gain their attention? I suggest that every news article of contention in our city is a sycamore tree. It is another important or significant post that the world is using to climb in order to discover Jesus. When we look on and fail to respond or intervene, we ignore the cry. God doesn't. He promises never to ignore the cry of the oppressed. [Exodus 22:23] In fact Jesus' response to Zaccheaus is one of urgency, 'Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.' If we are true followers of Jesus, if we are the Body of Christ, we must respond, we must make our appearance at the home of those in our city. We must reside and do life with the people of our city and not expect them to come to us! Finally, Zaccheaus makes the only thing he knows, a plea or a bargain in return for Jesus' attention. He offers to give half his wealth to the poor. Jesus' reply to the bargain is to offer Salvation. We must never be afraid to respond to people's first steps. Don't make it hard for people to engage in dialogue. Respond to their gestures of interest. Zaccheus had an interesting vantage point. Even before he climbed the tree, he could see. The question is, can we see?
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