And once Jesus gets ahold of Zacchaeus, so begins a transformed life for Zacchaeus. The effect of Jesus on Zacchaeus is profound and all encompassing. Zacchaeus responds so strongly to Jesus’ presence in his life that he gives half of his stuff to the poor and for anyone he has cheated he will pay back quadruple. Wow! Go Zacchaeus go! And all who are here and reach need to do likewise, right? If Christ has touched your life then it’s time to respond and be like Zacchaeus! Cough up half of your stuff! Isn’t that what it says?
Well, it says that’s what Zacchaeus did. But the point of the story is in a slightly different train of thought. Luke is highlighting the fact that money, cheating people, having a job that requires dishonesty can all be things that get in the way of our faith. I haven’t met many people who would argue that idea. And that is part of why we’re asked to be generous people. Don’t let money and things get in the way of our faith.
