In today’s Gospel Jesus says to a tax collector, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” This man was both a tax collector and a sinner. In Jesus’ time tax collectors were viewed as sinners because they supported the occupying force, the Romans, and often extorted money from people because of their position and their power. Why does Jesus associate with such “bad company”? He gives His answer elsewhere in the Gospels:
“The Pharisees…said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus…said, ‘Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.’” (Matthew 9:11-13; Hosea 6:6).
Jesus comes as a “physician of souls” to heal sinners with God’s mercy and love. Jesus teaches that God desires not criticism, judgment and condemnation but mercy and compassion. This encounter heals and changes Zacchaeus: “Behold, half of my possessions…I shall give to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I shall repay it four times over.” Jesus comes to heal each of us with God’s love and mercy.