On this day, the intention of Jesus’ is to pass right on through the city of Jericho. There is an outcast who has heard what Jesus has been teaching, and this man wants to see who Jesus is. The man’s name is Zacchaeus! By both race and religion, Zacchaeus is a Jew. He also is a publican, or tax collector, a trade despised by many of his fellow Jews. In fact, Zacchaeus is the chief publican in the custom house at Jericho. In our story, another group, the Pharisees, are also represented. The religious Pharisees consider themselves very pious, and regard the publicans as unclean sinners and examples of complete depravity. But, the Good News of Jesus Christ is available to all, depending exclusively upon the condition of ‘their hearts’! Now, as Jesus is passing through Jericho, Zacchaeus, who has heard about Jesus, is eager to see Him! So, running ahead of the crowds of people, Zacchaeus, a very small man, climbs up a sycamore tree to try to see over the crowd. While Zacchaeus is trying to see who Jesus is, Jesus is seeking the soul of Zacchaeus!