"Zacchaeus, you little thief, what are you doing up in that tree?  Come on down here with the rest of us.  You’re afraid of us, aren’t you?  How ironic.  You squeeze us for money, to send to your friends in Rome, but where does all your money get you?  Up in that tree, alone.  And, why do you care to see this Jesus from Nazareth?  They say he’s been announcing that the Reign of God is at hand.  That can’t be good for the likes of you.  They say he heals people, too.  That’s why this crowd is lining the road here.  We want to just get close to him, maybe even touch him.  Come on down, Zacchaeus.  For once in your life, take a risk.  Try to get up front and reach out and touch Jesus.  Who knows, he might heal that greedy little heart of yours.  Hey, here he comes!”

“Zacchaeus, come down from the tree.  You look so lonely up there.  I want to have supper at your house tonight.  I know you are afraid.  Let go of your fears.  Let go of everything you’re holding on to.  You never have enough, Zacchaeus, because what you are grasping for will never satisfy you.  I love you, Zacchaeus.  Listen to me.  I love you.  Yes, you.  The little guy who never really was at home with himself.  I know what you do to try to look big or smart or tough.  Cool and undisturbed on the outside.  I know how confused and lonely you are on the inside.  I know and I love you.  I forgive you.  All that you’ve done.  All that you haven’t done.  Let me heal you, too.  Let me make you whole.  Let me heal what you desire.  Let me cure the greed and the lust.  Let me free you from your self absorption.  I know you want to be free.  Hurry down.  Let’s go to your house.  I want to show you a peace that is greater than you can imagine.”

“Hey, this guy isn’t religious.  He’s dishonest.  Don’t go to his house.  You’ll never change him.  Nobody will ever change Zacchaeus.”

“You are all wrong!  I am changed.  Something in me has been healed.  I believe God loves me.  I feel forgiven!  I feel free!  I don’t need all the stuff I collected to try to attain stature.  I will pay back what I’ve swindled.  I’ll pay it back and I’ll start being generous.  I have what I need now.  I have what I need.”