Following the blind beggar's healing by Jesus outside Jericho (Luke 18:35-43), a very different sort of person was also eager to see the Lord as He entered the city.  Zacchaeus was physically fit and very wealthy.  His role as a chief tax collector enabled him to get rich by defrauding tax-payers, and probably taking a percentage of the fraudulent takings of his employees.  Nevertheless, he wanted to see Jesus.
 
It is clear from the story that Zacchaeus was not a happy man.  Despite his prosperity, he felt there was something missing in his life; and that ‘something’ had to do with Jesus.  But just to catch sight of Him was a problem.  There were so many people crowding around the Master and, being unwelcome in the crowd and rather short in height, he could not get close enough to see Him.  So, running ahead of the procession, he climbed up a tree, and waited for Jesus to walk underneath.  When Jesus arrived at the tree, He looked up to see the man in his smart robes perched in the branches.

Even though Jesus had never met Zacchaeus before, He addressed him by name and demanded to stay at his house.  The tax man was thrilled, but the crowd became angry that Jesus should choose a bad person to welcome Him (Matthew 9:11).
 
Many people are still surprised that Jesus has room in His heart for sinful and wicked people.  That is why the gospel is so different from every religion which says that only good people are welcomed by God.  The fact is, that nobody is good enough, holy enough or pure enough to be fit for God's presence.  That is why Jesus came: to accept responsibility for the moral and spiritual shortcomings of the world and, in His crucifixion, to be punished for them. All those who put their trust in Jesus are no longer excluded from God's presence but welcomed with joy (John 3:16).  See www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more.  Indeed, Jesus still has a special interest in sinners who will repent - promising them the fullness of eternal life.  So, do share this message with your friends and colleagues. It may provide the hope that they have been looking for.