it's a good deal

He had learned to manage his life even with his handicap. Luke 19:4
Zacchaeus had learned to work harder and try more in order
to take himself to the same level with others.
The Bible says that he was rich, even though he had an obvious
physical handicap. He was noticeably different from others.
He was a short man.
Jesus meets Zacchaeus right where he is at.
He boldly initiates to come to his house and Zacchaeus responds
to this invitation with joy.
The self-righteous people around Jesus didn’t like the scene.
They got offended with Jesus. Didn’t he have any convictions?
Why would he go to a sinner’s house?
For a moment Zacchaeus was afraid of loosing Jesus.
He starts bargaining. He had learned that in the business world.
He offers an unbelievable deal, a promise to give half of his goods
to the poor.
Jesus said,” Today salvation has come to this house.” Luke19:9
Just in the previous chapter, Luke 18, Jesus had told the rich,
young ruler to sell ALL that he had and give it to the poor.
What happened? Was salvation now on sale? Everything half price?
It would be such a wrong conclusion to think that Jesus
operated on this level.
What a ridiculous thought to picture the rich, young ruler and
Zaccheaus comparing their deals later. “You gave all you had, well,
from me he asked only a half of my goods…”
Both of these men were offered salvation disregard of the amount
of money they were willing to give up.
Salvation is a gift, not a reward.
Salvation came to the house of Zacchaeus, not because he finally
agreed to give up half of his possessions. He was saved because
Jesus, the Savior, had accepted him.
The gift continues to be priceless for man as it cost the highest
possible price for God. Yes, it is a good deal.