Part Two ..The Moral of this Tale!

Luke 19:1-10 A few weeks and after Jesus healed Bartimaeus of his blindness.  He was so grateful and excited that he wanted to share the “GOOD NEWS” with everyone. 

Then he remembered hearing that Zacchaeus a very wealthy chief tax collectors had also experienced a miracle on the same day Jesus healed him of his blindness.  Bartimaeus heard that Jesus had gone to Zacchaeus’s to have dinner. 

 “I wonder what he did to have Jesus visit his house”.  I heard that people said Zacchaeus cheated his own people by charging them extra taxes to put into his pocket.  “No wonder he was so wealthy”. he thought. Bartimaeus wondered if Zacchaeus had changed after he had such a close encounter with Jesus. 

Bartimaeus went to Zacchaeus house.  He knocked on the door boldly. Zaccheaus opened the door.   He invited Bartimaeus inside. 

Zacchaeus had his servant Jothan prepares a meal for them. Bartimaeus was grateful for this food.  He has not eaten a decent meal like this for many years. After the meal Bartimaeus shared the Good News about his miracle. 

Then Zacchaeus shared his whole story saying that Jesus was passing through Jericho on the same day that Bartimaeus received his miracle.  He had wanted to see Jesus, but the crowd was enormous and had to climb a sycamore tree. 

Zacchaeus said to Bartimaeus “Jesus looked up saw me” and He said, “Zacchaeus come down immediately, I must stay at your house today.” Bartimaeus eyes popped out of his head and

shined with love for Jesus and Zacchaeus.  Then Zacchaeus told Bartimaeus about how all the people became upset and began muttering about Jesus going to the house as a guest of the biggest sinner”. Bartimaeus replied with compassion “I know what you mean”. They were upset with me too! 

Zacchaeus said to Bartimaeus I stood up and said to the Lord “Look Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything.  I will pay back four times the amount”. Bartimaeus said, “Wow Zacchaeus that’s going to be a lot of money”.  Zacchaeus said, “Yes I know, but it’s the right thing to do”.  Then Jesus said to me “Today Salvation has come to this house, because this man too, is a Son of Abraham, For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost”. Bartimaeus burst out crying as soon as he heard what Jesus had said to Zacchaeus.  Zacchaeus started to cry as well.  This was out of sheer joy and love for Jesus’s kindness for what He had done for them.

Jesus had taken two men; one blind, and one wealthy felt despised and unworthy by everyone and shown both men how precious they were to God, not because they had done good deeds but simply because they were loved as they were by God. After a few moments of crying and silent meditation. Both started to speak at the same time.  Out of respect Bartimaeus let Zacchaeus speak first. Zacchaeus said, “I cannot believe this”. I am saved by the “Son of Man” Bartimaeus said “Believe it Zacchaeus Jesus is the only Way to Salvation.  He is the Only One who can change peoples’ lives not only on the inside but as well as the outside with our actions and attitudes”. 

After a lengthy discussion Bart and Zac decided to meet again.  They thought we have a purpose in our lives now, and we have the Gospel to share to all people about the love of Jesus, no matter what their background or previous way of life.

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,  That saved a wretch; like me!I once was lost, but now am found,  Was blind, but now I see.

2

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,  And grace my fears relieved;How precious did that grace appear  The hour I first believed!

   By: Shirley Casseta Leger September 9, 2024