To everyone, including church folks Zacchaeus was worse than Rodney. He was a crook and a traitor yet Jesus took the time to invite him to lunch. Why? What’s the point? Here is the rest of the story:

“Zacchaeus climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the crowds were displeased. 'He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,' they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, 'I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!' Jesus responded, 'Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a son of Abraham. And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.' (Luke 19:6-10)

Yes, Zacchaeus was a dishonest thief but he was ready to make serious changes, yet the church of that day offered nothing but rejection and scorn. Jesus, however, sensing a changed heart offered the hand of fellowship and forgiveness. In response, Zacchaeus became a blessed child of God.

If you are considering making serious changes in your life. Remember, how Jesus called Zacchaeus by name and offered the hand of forgiveness and fellowship. He will do the same for you. Then, take a hard look at the challenge offered in "The Prayer of Jabez" by an unknown Bible character hidden in First Chronicles 4:9-10. "Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me and that you would keep me from evil. And God granted him his request.”

Rodney cut the grass for the preacher, then the church grass. He would have cut anyone’s grass if it would help but it wasn’t enough. The preacher then asked Rodney to speak to a group of youth about sin so he described his own sins… in graphic detail. The parents were horrified, the pastor was angry, the church was ready to throw him out and poor Rodney was humiliated and more confused than ever.