A leper once lived in a village despite his grievous health condition, he was a successful farmer. Nearly every resident in the neighborhood where he was living-related with him afar off for fear of being infected. Likewise, children were warned against running errands for him. He was just living the life of a recluse.

This account is akin to the one in our text today. Zacchaeus, the chief of publicans, did not just see Jesus Christ from the sycamore tree. Jesus equally saw and commanded him to "come down; for today I must abide at thy house." But the Jews were not happy at Christ's decision because they saw him as a spiritual leper. At that time, the Roman Empire levied heavy taxes upon all nations under their control. The Jews opposed it because they saw it as a means of supporting its pagan gods and secular government. Zacchaeus was a high-ranking tax collector in the employment of the Roman Empire. Consequently, he was tagged a chronic sinner, who was oppressing the Jews and using his office to amass wealth.

However, Jesus Christ did not reason the way the Jews did. Rather He could only see in Zacchaeus a stereotyped sinner ready to seek forgiveness and forsake his iniquities. While the religious Jews could only see a sinner doomed and going to hell, Jesus saw a sinner waiting for a Saviour and a way out of his dubious and pernicious ways of life. His declaration revealed the inward change that had taken place in him. Jesus Christ never condemned him but received him.

As deeply as you may have gone into sin, Jesus will never reject you if you approach Him with an open heart. Invite Him to pardon all your sins and grant you His forgiveness and salvation. if you want Him to receive you as He did to Zacchaeus, you must be ready not just to receive external cleansing, but also inward cleansing.