Luke 19 is the beginning of the end of Luke's Gospel. After telling some of his most memorable parables (Lost sheep, Prodigal Son, Rich Man & Lazarus, Widow & Unjust Judge) Jesus sets his eyes on Jerusalem. In Jericho, a short distance away, he encounters Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, whos community shuns him as a sinner. Jesus tells him he will eat dinner at his house.
Zacchaeus' response can be read in a couple of ways. Many English translations read something like, "half my possessions, I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much." But in the original Greek, Zacchaeus says all this in the present tense, as if he's saying he already does these things. Is Zacchaeus making a promise for the future, or using this audience with Jesus as a public defense of his honor? Either way, Jesus says, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek out and save the lost."
Class and wealth are hot topics today. Our current economic system is working spectacularly well for some, but could do a whole lot better for most. How would we react to see Jesus dining with billionaires? It's a provocative question.
Jesus does offer many challenges to the wealthy:
"Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation." (Lk 6:24)
"Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.'" (Lk. 16:25)
"Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." (Lk. 18:25)
Yet those who do commit to the common good, Jesus embraces. Zacchaeus and other tax collectors find a welcome and grace from Jesus, but that does not mean God is indifferent to how we use our wealth. Whatever we have, we are accountable to use it to help others. There is simply no wiggle room there: it's commanded by God throughout the scriptures. Not sharing with those in need is sinful. Yet, as with any other of our sins, we find forgiveness in Jesus.
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