Zaccheus

Jesus was just passing through Jericho
But he went home with Zaccheus,

Who was also a son of Abraham,
And salvation came to the house that day—

A beautiful story of repentance,
Restoration, transformation.

But I am struck with the offhand comment earlier,
“And when they saw it, they all murmured.”

I was stuck on short Zaccheus of Sunday school song fame,
And I had passed over the intensity of his job.

Chief tax collector.
And, in real time, Jesus had to tell

The Sheriff of Nottingham
That he would dine with him, befriend him.

Holy, loving Jesus going home with the
Oppressor, not yet repentant.

I would have murmured, too.

I say this to my shame.