Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-29

Jericho was moved when they learned
that the distinguished rabbi. Jesus of
Nazareth, was passing through their
streets. His approach had been marked
by the miraculous healing of blind Bar
timaeus. Immediately upon being cured
the blind man commenced to follow the
Lord and proclaim His praises. Among
the number who sought to see the Mas
ter, was ZacchaeuS, wealthy publican.
He had bought the privilege of impos-
ing taxes in that section from the
Roman authorities. He was considered
to be a renegade by his fellow country
men, whose hatred of the Roman off,
Gals had been intensified by the harsh
and unjust methods practieed by the
tax collectors. For them Ito pay taxes
and revenue to an abominable heather
government they felt to be a national
and individual disgrace and religious
defilement-a sort of reverencing of
Caesar Instead of Jehovah" This re-
suited In every Jewish publican being
ostracized. He was deemed incompe-
tent to bear witness in their courts; no
one was allowed to take aims from him:
the disgrace extended to his family"
The rich publican found that 1t was
impossible for him to see Jesus in the
crowded streets of the city, because of
his stature.
ing of business man by turning his
handicap into an asset. He knew the
route the Master was taking as He was
passing through Jericho to Jerusalem.
Although he did not know that 1t was
the last time that the Lord would visit
Jericho, he acted with speed. He re-
vealed his determination and conquer
ing spirit by running SO that he could
get ahead of the crowd and by climbing
up into sycamore tree, he saw Jesus
approaching. He had fine view Of the
Master, who evidently was seeking
LacchaeuS, for He stopped right beneath
him when He reached the tree.
The Seeking Savior.
Reaching the place where the rich
publican had found a place in the
limbs of the tree to review the crowd
that was passing with Jesus, the Lord
surprised Zacchaeus by looking up and
saying to him, Make haste, and come
down; for today I must abide at thy
house" It Is quite possible that the
Master may have been attracted to the
publican by some censorious remark,
that called His attention to Zacchaeus.
Evidently when he looked up, the Mas
ter detected more than curiosity in the
publican'S attitude. In all probability
He detected real anxious desire to
know the way Of life. The story of how
Christ had called Matthew to follow
Him and of how He ate with the publ
cans must have reached Zacchaeus, who
had demonstrated his determination to
see Jesus.
The Master surprised the multitude
and Zacchaeus by His remarks, for no
Jewish rabbi would think of lodging
with a publican. Jesus revealed the
courage of His convictions when He
went with the despised tax collector
to his home, where He lodged that
night. The people did not like such dis
regard of their customs. There was not
beggar who would have accepted aims
much less hospitality from one whom
they considered to be sinner. Christ
came to seek and save that which was
lost" He saw an opportunity of saving
Zacchaeus, who full Of joy at the honor
OF entertaining the Master, FASTENED
with Him to his palatial home.
The Business Mans Conversion.
In our lesson last week, we recall how
Jesus pointed out to His disciples the