Article November 24, 1973 Issue

"Climb your sycomore tree!"

GRACE SODEN HAERLE

Zacchaeus of Jericho had a bad reputation among the Jews because of his profession as a publican, a tax collector for the occupying power, the Romans. Publicans were also scorned for their dishonesty and extortion. Indeed, Zacchaeus was considered a sinner.

Yet, when Jesus visited his city, Zacchaeus, small of physical as well as moral stature, hurried, and climbed a sycomore tree that overlooked the road the great Teacher was taking. He wanted to be able to see the Master, whose works he had undoubtedly heard much of.

This act may well have been prompted by more than mere curiosity; very likely it showed an eagerness to make a better life for himself. There is reason to believe that Jesus thought so at the time of this encounter.

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