Zaccheus 자캐오

        (written in 2006)

Luke in the New Testament talks about Zaccheus who was a wealthy tax collector. He was very stingy and cold-hearted but was saved by meeting Jesus. The key point in this story is his inner transformation bringing about joy. Looking at his behavior, his neighbors often scorned and even called him a sinner; however, he is changed into a new being.

 Meditating on his inner change, we see we can also overcome our limits or weak points and we are filled with hopeful possibilities. Let me share with you this story of change rewritten by a Korean writer with imagination. With the hope that people in society will help each other, I share with you this story.

 Zaccheus was a very short man and a demanding tax collector. He tried very hard to get more money through taxes. He even lied in his neighbor's room until the neighbor gave him money. So people said, "Well, I'll never go around his house." As time went by, people didn't like to visit his house. Even though people begged,  "We will starve to death without this money", Zaccheus took the money without considering their situation. Nobody ever talked to Zaccheus, saying "I'll never come too close to Zaccheus."

 One day, Zaccheus went home cheerfully with a gold ring he took from his neighbor. Little by little, people turned away from him. Children even made fun of him singing, "A lion is in the mountain and Zaccheus is in the castle." Naturally, Zaccheus became very lonely. He was not happy even though he acquired so much treasure. He sang a song but it was like a groan. "I wish I could have a friend! If Jesus comes, he would be a friend to anybody."

 Then Zaccheus saw people going somewhere while making noise outside. "What's up?" he asked. He learned that Jesus was passing by. Many people had gathered in the yard. All of a sudden, people clapped their hands and shouted aloud. They said a man was coming from afar with splendid sunshine. He was Jesus.

 People were striving to be the first to see Jesus as close to him as possible. Short Zaccheus had to walk up and down restlessly at the back of the frow and stand on his toes. However, that was of no use. "What would happen if I miss Jesus!" he asked himself.

 At that moment, he noticed a sycamore tree in the corner of the yard. As Zaccheus climbed up the tree branch by branch, people's eyes widened and they asked one another, "Wow! What does he do now?" Zaccheus climbed the tree no matter how people scorned him.

 At that moment, he met Jesus face to face. Zaccheus had never seen such a warm and strong look. He almost fell from the tree. Jesus said, "Zaccheus, come down. I'll stay at your house today." As he hurried down, Zaccheus missed his footing, slipped, and fell on his backside. He didn't hurt himself and everybody laughed.

 "Jesus, come here," said Zaccheus, pointing the way to guide Jesus to his house. His lips were open, and his hips and shoulders were moving up and down. Silently smiling and looking at the back of Zaccheus, Jesus said "I see. Let's take time to visit."

 "Dear honey, Jesus has come! My children, Jesus came to our house! Please come  to see him." When Zaccheus looked at Jesus, he was moved to tears. Nobody came to his home, but what a happy thing it is that Jesus went to his home. Everybody scorned him, but Jesus accepted him.

 At last, Zaccheus cried. "What happened to me? Jesus is having a meal with such a sinner!" At that moment, Zaccheus sitting in front of Jesus sprang to his feet. He took out the treasure chest from the attic and gave it to the poor. "Jesus, I'll pay back all the things I cheated and took from others." His voice was trembling.

 Facing and embracing Zaccheus with joy, Jesus said, "At last, I found one person of God's kingdom. I have come to find out sinners like Zaccheus". All his family was joyful and hugged him. Zaccheus was no longer lonely but filled with joy. He talked all night long with Jesus who has become his friend and smiled to the fullest.

 The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ July 25, 2006