The Power of Inclusion: Examining Koinonia

Read Luke 19:1-10

Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost (Year C)

Our text states that when Jesus visited Zacchaeus' house and Zacchaeus said,

"Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham."

In that moment, Zacchaeus shows great generosity with an entirely unsolicited offer. That moment was made possible at the sycamore tree, not at the house.

The moment that Jesus stood at the base of that sycamore tree and looked up, he said, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." Jesus was telling Zacchaeus, “I am including you today, and you're up a tree because you're excluded, and I am bringing you into my circle because nobody else has ever included you.”

It was at that moment that God began to work in Zacchaeus’ heart. By the time they sat down to dinner at his home, Zacchaeus had completely softened, as goodness leads people to change.