“For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Tax collectors, known as publicans, are mentioned 21 times in the gospels, always in a derogatory manner. They were considered among the worst of sinners and traitors because they had bid for the right to collect taxes on behalf of the hated Roman conquerors. That powerful position allowed them to impose exorbitant taxes on everything from imports to exports.

Zacchaeus is one of two tax collectors that the gospels mention by name, the other one being Levi, who became known as Matthew, the evangelist. A third, unnamed tax collector, is mentioned in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and publican (Luke 18: 10-14). In all three cases, the sins of the men are forgiven by Jesus. In fact, Jesus celebrates the repentance of Levi and Zacchaeus by attending banquets in their homes.

Christ didn’t hesitate to associate with lowlifes because they were the very people He came to save. In so doing he confounded His critics. What they failed to grasp was the fact that God always stands ready to forgive us. As He said in Luke 15: 7:

“I say unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons, who need no repentance.”

No matter what are past has been, our future cana be spotless.