Note: This story is a fictional news account of the story of Zacchaeus found in Luke 19:1-10. It is from the perspective of a skeptical news reporter and should not be viewed as an accurate depiction of what took place. We hope that you will read Luke 19 to get the real scoop.
Jericho - A large crowd gathered today for the arrival of the man called Jesus. His followers walked with him down the city streets as young and old alike sought a word or touch from the former carpenter.
Among the more interesting notes of the impromptu gathering was an incident involving our city's chief tax collector Zacchaeus. It will come as no surprise to any that know Zacchaeus that he is, to put it delicately, vertically challenged.
“I just wanted to see Jesus, and the tree seemed to be the only way,” Zacchaeus said in reference to the location he chose to view the proceedings.
It may have been that Zacchaeus intentionally wanted to avoid a crowd that have voiced opposition to his collection methods as well as the rates he has charged. However, Zacchaeus would not go unnoticed.
“I was surprised and embarrassed when Jesus looked up at me. I am the chief tax collector. What would people think of me? Well, Jesus said that I should climb down the tree and go home to prepare a meal. He and his friends joined me for supper last night,” Zacchaeus said.
This event did not go unnoticed by those who have felt cheated by Zacchaeus.
“I have a much nicer home and could have provided lodging for Jesus,” Abner, the tanner, said.
“Why would Jesus want to dine with such a crooked man as Zacchaeus. I thought he had better sense,” Jeremiah, the weaver, concluded.
We may never know why Jesus invited himself to Zachaeus’s house. However, the visit has produced an unexpected result.
This morning Zacchaeus told the Gazette that he would be offering tax refunds to all that have been defrauded by him by four times the original amount.
Further, Zacchaeus has made a generous donation to The Jericho Families in Need fund.
“Jesus told me that he came specifically for people like me,” Zacchaeus told us, “to seek and to save that which was lost. I guess that pretty much describes me.” The tax collector concluded with a chuckle.
It is difficult to believe that Jesus came to Jericho specifically to see Zacchaeus, as they had never met before yesterday.
While none of us can say for sure what caused the change of heart in a formerly ruthless tax collector, we can be grateful that a fairer rate of taxation appears to be at hand.
What Jesus said to Zacchaeus to change his behavior is still somewhat unclear. However, anyone who helps put money back in our pocket deserves our undying gratitude.
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