Crazy Money! A Rich Tax Collector

It’s Crazy Money Day! 

A wealthy man was looked down upon because of his profession. He was a chief tax collector. Many people were oppressed by his abuse of power and the way he defrauded them of their money. As a result, he was alienated from his community. He was considered an outcast by those in his hometown of Jericho. He was a short but nimble man. When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he climbed into a sycamore tree so he could see him. Lo and behold, Jesus looked up and told him to hurry and come down. “Who? Me? What? You’re coming to my house…. today?” Zacchaeus quickly hurried down and received the Lord joyfully. Meanwhile, the crowd grumbled, “He’s gone in to be the guest of that man who’s a sinner! The very idea!”

Zacchaeus was transformed by his encounter with Jesus. He knew that he was indeed a sinner, but through repentance and faith, he desired to make things right. So he declared he was giving half of his goods to the poor, and restoring fourfold any whom he had defrauded. What a pledge! He found that the riches gained through faith in Christ were worth far more than worldly wealth. Jesus proclaimed in the hearing of Zacchaeus and the grumblers, “Today salvation has come to this house since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10) May we live like Zachaeus, knowing that nothing in this world compares to the riches in Christ! A willingness to make things right with those we have hurt is a sure sign of a redeemed heart! 

And if you need help navigating your finances, a Crown online course or a trained Budget Coach can set you on the path to financial freedom. Go to crown.org and click “Get Help Now.” Start today at crown.org.