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As Jesus was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax collecting business (and, of course, a very rich man), tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to se over the crowds. So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree besides the road, to watch from there.
When Jesus came by he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! “Zacchaeus!” he said.”Quick! came down! For I am going to be a quest in your home today!”
Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.
But the crowds were displeased .”He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zaccheaus stood before the Lord and said, “Sir, from now on I will give half my wealth to the poor, and if I find I have overcharged anyone on his taxes, I will penalize myself by giving him back four times as much!”
Jesus told him,” This shows that salvation has come to this home today. This man was one the lost sons of Abraham, and I, the Messiah have come to search for and to save such souls as his”.