Jesus, our Master Communicator, was always aware of His audience and even the nuances within His audience. His conversation with Zacchaeus spoke loudly to this tree climbing tax collector, but the rest of the crowd was targeted, too.
The tax collectors were some of the most hated people among their fellow Jews. They were seen as traitors in turning money over to the oppressing government and corrupt in making huge profits doing it. They were ceremonially unclean due to the handling of this idolatrous coinage so they didn’t freely associate outside their group.
As Jesus made His way into Jericho, having just healed a blind man, a large crowd followed. No doubt there would have been Sadducees and Pharisees in that group. They were the leaders - the shepherds - of Israel.
Along comes Zacchaeus, the tax collector, up in a tree to see over the crowd without having to mingle among those who despised him. And Jesus calls him out, showing him grace and inviting community. Zacchaeus jumps at this - repenting and embracing relationship.
Listen carefully now to the words of Jesus:
Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:9-10
Jesus had a message for everyone in the crowd. He does a remez – a hint -reciting a passage but the point being the larger context. He quotes Ezekiel 34:11.
His message to all who would hear: I’m God.
Sovereign God said He would seek and save and Jesus quotes that very verse inserting Himself in the place of God.
To the leaders: You are corrupt and I will take the people from you.
Jesus slammed them hard, as the context of the passage He quotes is failed leadership and the resulting judgment.
And finally, to Zacchaeus: You’re part of the flock.
You’ve wandered away but that’s why I came - to seek you out and rescue you. Come home. You belong in the flock.
One powerful statement, but landing on so many different ears. Which of these audiences are you in? I have found myself in each of them at various times. But ultimately, I’m grateful for a Shepherd who rescued me and brought me into the flock.
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